US20190105051A1 - Circular stapler with selectable motorized and manual control - Google Patents
Circular stapler with selectable motorized and manual control Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190105051A1 US20190105051A1 US16/156,077 US201816156077A US2019105051A1 US 20190105051 A1 US20190105051 A1 US 20190105051A1 US 201816156077 A US201816156077 A US 201816156077A US 2019105051 A1 US2019105051 A1 US 2019105051A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- anvil
- trocar
- shaft
- staple
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 59
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 59
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 59
- 238000010304 firing Methods 0.000 claims description 66
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 27
- 210000003238 esophagus Anatomy 0.000 description 25
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 25
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 20
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 20
- 230000003872 anastomosis Effects 0.000 description 18
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 18
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 16
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 13
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 11
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 11
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 11
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 11
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000003874 surgical anastomosis Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000001356 surgical procedure Methods 0.000 description 5
- 229920004738 ULTEM® Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 210000001035 gastrointestinal tract Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012636 effector Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000001072 colon Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007790 scraping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 1
- IAYPIBMASNFSPL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene oxide Chemical compound C1CO1 IAYPIBMASNFSPL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920000106 Liquid crystal polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004977 Liquid-crystal polymers (LCPs) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002292 Nylon 6 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000572 Nylon 6/12 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004775 Tyvek Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000690 Tyvek Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000010339 dilation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- ZMUCVNSKULGPQG-UHFFFAOYSA-N dodecanedioic acid;hexane-1,6-diamine Chemical compound NCCCCCCN.OC(=O)CCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O ZMUCVNSKULGPQG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 for example Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002147 killing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- HLXZNVUGXRDIFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N nickel titanium Chemical compound [Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni] HLXZNVUGXRDIFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910001000 nickel titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008733 trauma Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000001835 viscera Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/11—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for performing anastomosis; Buttons for anastomosis
- A61B17/115—Staplers for performing anastomosis in a single operation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/11—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for performing anastomosis; Buttons for anastomosis
- A61B17/115—Staplers for performing anastomosis in a single operation
- A61B17/1155—Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00017—Electrical control of surgical instruments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00017—Electrical control of surgical instruments
- A61B2017/00115—Electrical control of surgical instruments with audible or visual output
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00367—Details of actuation of instruments, e.g. relations between pushing buttons, or the like, and activation of the tool, working tip, or the like
- A61B2017/00389—Button or wheel for performing multiple functions, e.g. rotation of shaft and end effector
- A61B2017/00393—Button or wheel for performing multiple functions, e.g. rotation of shaft and end effector with means for switching between functions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00367—Details of actuation of instruments, e.g. relations between pushing buttons, or the like, and activation of the tool, working tip, or the like
- A61B2017/00398—Details of actuation of instruments, e.g. relations between pushing buttons, or the like, and activation of the tool, working tip, or the like using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00681—Aspects not otherwise provided for
- A61B2017/00734—Aspects not otherwise provided for battery operated
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/08—Accessories or related features not otherwise provided for
- A61B2090/0807—Indication means
- A61B2090/0811—Indication means for the position of a particular part of an instrument with respect to the rest of the instrument, e.g. position of the anvil of a stapling instrument
Definitions
- a surgeon may want to position a surgical instrument through an orifice of the patient and use the instrument to adjust, position, attach, and/or otherwise interact with tissue within the patient. For instance, in some surgical procedures, portions of the gastrointestinal tract may be cut and removed to eliminate undesirable tissue or for other reasons. Once the desired tissue is removed, the remaining portions may need to be recoupled together.
- One such tool for accomplishing these anastomotic procedures is a circular stapler that is inserted through a patient's orifice.
- FIG. 1 depicts a side elevation view of an exemplary circular stapling surgical instrument
- FIG. 2A depicts an enlarged longitudinal cross-section view of an exemplary stapling head assembly of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing an exemplary anvil in an open position;
- FIG. 2B depicts an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the stapling head assembly of FIG. 2A showing the anvil in a closed position;
- FIG. 2C depicts an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the stapling head assembly of FIG. 2A showing an exemplary staple driver and blade in a fired position;
- FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary staple formed against the anvil
- FIG. 4A depicts an enlarged side elevation view of an exemplary actuator handle assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 with a portion of the body removed, showing a trigger in an unfired position and a lockout feature in a locked position;
- FIG. 4B depicts an enlarged side elevation view of the actuator handle assembly of FIG. 4A , showing the trigger in a fired position and the lockout feature in an unlocked position;
- FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged partial perspective view of an exemplary indicator assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 showing an indicator window and indicator lever;
- FIG. 6 depicts an diagrammatic view of the indicator window of FIG. 5 showing an exemplary indicator bar and exemplary corresponding staple representations;
- FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary circular stapling surgical instrument
- FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of the handle and shaft assemblies of the instrument of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 depicts a cross sectional view of the handle assembly of the instrument of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 10 depicts an enlarged, partial cross sectional view of the motor and battery assemblies of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 11A depicts a side elevational view of an operational mode selection assembly of the instrument of FIG. 7 , with a first gear disengaged from a second gear;
- FIG. 11B depicts a side elevational view of the operational mode selection assembly of FIG. 11A , with the first gear engaged with the second gear;
- FIG. 12 depicts a front elevational view of the first gear of the operational mode selection assembly of FIG. 11A ;
- FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of the second gear of the operational mode selection assembly of FIG. 11A ;
- FIG. 14 depicts an enlarged, partial perspective view of the handle assembly of the instrument of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 15A depicts a cross sectional view of the instrument of FIG. 7 , with a motorized operational mode selected, showing an anvil being coupled to a trocar;
- FIG. 15B depicts a cross sectional view of the instrument of FIG. 7 , with a motorized operational mode selected, in a tissue clamping position;
- FIG. 15C depicts a cross sectional view of the instrument of FIG. 7 , with a motorized operational mode selected, in a fired position;
- FIG. 16 depicts a cross sectional view of the handle assembly of the instrument of FIG. 7 showing the manual operational mode being selected
- FIG. 17A depicts a cross sectional view of the instrument of FIG. 7 , with a manual operational mode selected, showing an anvil being coupled to a trocar;
- FIG. 17B depicts a cross sectional view of the instrument of FIG. 7 , with a manual operational mode selected, in a tissue clamping position;
- FIG. 17C depicts a cross sectional view of the instrument of FIG. 7 , with a manual operational mode selected, in a fired position;
- FIG. 18 depicts a schematic of an exemplary control assembly for use with the instrument of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 19 depicts a partial perspective view of another exemplary operational mode selection assembly
- FIG. 20 depicts a front view of the operational mode selection assembly of FIG. 19 ;
- FIG. 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a staple applying assembly of other embodiments of the present invention wherein tissue of varying thickness is clamped therein;
- FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the staple applying assembly of FIG. 21 ;
- FIG. 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the endocutter depicted clamping a thin piece of tissue
- FIG. 24 is another enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the endocutter depicted in FIG. 23 clamping a thicker piece of tissue;
- FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly and closure knob assembly of various embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the shaft assembly, trigger assembly, staple driver, anvil and closure knob assembly with the handle housing, head casing and outer tubular shroud removed therefrom;
- FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a knob assembly embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the knob assembly of FIG. 27 taken along line 84 - 84 in FIG. 27 ;
- FIG. 29 is a graph illustrating the relationship between a compression force and resistive load generated by a variable force generator that may be used in connection with various embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 30A depicts a partial, cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary anvil in a first position in which the anvil has interacted with a stapling head assembly to create an anastomosis;
- FIG. 30B depicts a partial, cross-sectional perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 30A in a second position in which an anvil head of the anvil has been tilted away from a link and an anvil shaft portion;
- FIG. 30C depicts a partial, cross-sectional perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 7A in a third position in which a link of the anvil shaft is tilted away from the anvil shaft portion;
- FIG. 31 depicts a partial cross-sectional, perspective view of another exemplary anvil in a first position in which the anvil has interacted with a stapling head assembly to create an anastomosis;
- FIG. 32 depicts a partial cross-sectional, perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 8 in a second position in which an anvil head is tilted about an off-center pivot of an anvil shaft portion of the anvil;
- FIG. 33 depicts a partially exploded view of a surgical instrument, showing components of a stapling head assembly
- FIG. 34 depicts a partial perspective view of the distal end of the rotary drive shaft of the surgical instrument of FIG. 33 ;
- FIG. 35 depicts a perspective view of a first rotary drive element of the stapling head assembly of FIG. 33 ;
- FIG. 36 depicts a cross-sectional view of the first rotary drive element of FIG. 35 , taken along line 11 - 11 of FIG. 35 ;
- FIG. 37 depicts a perspective view of a second rotary drive element of the stapling head assembly of FIG. 33 ;
- FIG. 38 depicts a perspective view of a drive nut of the stapling head assembly of FIG. 33 ;
- FIG. 39 depicts a perspective view of a clamping driver of the stapling head assembly of FIG. 33 ;
- FIG. 40 depicts a perspective view of the trocar of the stapling head assembly of FIG. 33 ;
- FIG. 41A depicts a cross-sectional side view of the stapling head assembly of FIG. 33 , with the anvil in an open position and with the rotary drive shaft in a distal position;
- FIG. 41B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the stapling head assembly of FIG. 33 , with the anvil in a closed position and with the rotary drive shaft in the distal position;
- FIG. 41C depicts a cross-sectional side view of the stapling head assembly of FIG. 33 , with the anvil in the closed position and with the rotary drive shaft shifted to a proximal position;
- FIG. 41D depicts a cross-sectional side view of the stapling head assembly of FIG. 33 , with the staple driver and blade in a fired position;
- FIG. 42A depicts a perspective view of the stapling head assembly of FIG. 33 , with the stapling head cartridge coupled with the shaft assembly;
- FIG. 42B depicts a perspective view of the stapling head assembly of FIG. 33 , with the stapling head cartridge decoupled from the shaft assembly;
- FIG. 43 depicts a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the shaft assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG. 33 .
- FIGS. 1-6 depict an exemplary circular surgical stapling instrument ( 10 ) having a stapling head assembly ( 20 ), a shaft assembly ( 60 ), and an actuator handle assembly ( 70 ), each of which will be described in more detail below.
- Shaft assembly ( 60 ) extends distally from actuator handle assembly ( 70 ) and stapling head assembly ( 20 ) is coupled to a distal end of shaft assembly ( 60 ).
- actuator handle assembly ( 70 ) is operable to actuate a staple driver ( 24 ) of stapling head assembly ( 20 ) to drive a plurality of staples ( 66 ) out of stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- Staples ( 66 ) are bent to form completed staples by an anvil ( 40 ) that is attached at the distal end of instrument ( 10 ). Accordingly, tissue ( 2 ), shown in FIGS. 2A-2C , may be stapled utilizing instrument ( 10 ).
- instrument ( 10 ) comprises a closure system and a firing system.
- the closure system comprises a trocar ( 38 ), a trocar actuator ( 39 ), and a rotating knob ( 98 ).
- An anvil ( 40 ) may be coupled to a distal end of trocar ( 38 ).
- Rotating knob ( 98 ) is operable to longitudinally translate trocar ( 38 ) relative to stapling head assembly ( 20 ), thereby translating anvil ( 40 ) when anvil ( 40 ) is coupled to trocar ( 38 ), to clamp tissue between anvil ( 40 ) and stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- the firing system comprises a trigger ( 74 ), a trigger actuation assembly ( 84 ), a driver actuator ( 64 ), and a staple driver ( 24 ).
- Staple driver ( 24 ) includes a knife ( 36 ) configured to sever tissue when staple driver ( 24 ) is actuated longitudinally.
- staples ( 66 ) are positioned distal to a plurality of staple driving members ( 30 ) of staple driver ( 24 ) such that staple driver ( 24 ) also drives staples ( 66 ) distally when staple driver ( 24 ) is actuated longitudinally.
- trigger ( 74 ) when trigger ( 74 ) is actuated and trigger actuation assembly ( 84 ) actuates staple driver ( 24 ) via driver actuator ( 64 ), knife ( 36 ) and members ( 30 ) substantially simultaneously sever tissue ( 2 ) and drive staples ( 66 ) distally relative to stapling head assembly ( 20 ) into tissue.
- trigger actuator ( 64 ) when trigger ( 74 ) is actuated and trigger actuation assembly ( 84 ) actuates staple driver ( 24 ) via driver actuator ( 64 ), knife ( 36 ) and members ( 30 ) substantially simultaneously sever tissue ( 2 ) and drive staples ( 66 ) distally relative to stapling head assembly ( 20 ) into tissue.
- anvil ( 40 ) is selectively coupleable to instrument ( 10 ) to provide a surface against which staples ( 66 ) may be bent to staple material contained between stapling head assembly ( 20 ) and anvil ( 40 ).
- Anvil ( 40 ) of the present example is selectively coupleable to a trocar or pointed rod ( 38 ) that extends distally relative to stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- anvil ( 40 ) is selectively coupleable via the coupling of a proximal shaft ( 42 ) of anvil ( 40 ) to a distal tip of trocar ( 38 ).
- Anvil ( 40 ) comprises a generally circular anvil head ( 48 ) and a proximal shaft ( 42 ) extending proximally from anvil head ( 48 ).
- proximal shaft ( 42 ) comprises a tubular member ( 44 ) having resiliently biased retaining clips ( 46 ) to selectively couple anvil ( 40 ) to trocar ( 38 ), though this is merely optional, and it should be understood that other retention features for coupling anvil ( 40 ) to trocar ( 38 ) may be used as well.
- C-clips, clamps, threading, pins, adhesives, etc. may be employed to couple anvil ( 40 ) to trocar ( 38 ).
- proximal shaft ( 42 ) may include a one-way coupling feature such that anvil ( 40 ) cannot be removed from trocar ( 38 ) once anvil ( 40 ) is attached.
- one-way features include barbs, one way snaps, collets, collars, tabs, bands, etc.
- trocar ( 38 ) may instead be a hollow shaft and proximal shaft ( 42 ) may comprise a sharpened rod that is insertable into the hollow shaft.
- Anvil head ( 48 ) of the present example comprises a plurality of staple forming pockets ( 52 ) formed in a proximal face ( 50 ) of anvil head ( 48 ). Accordingly, when anvil ( 40 ) is in the closed position and staples ( 66 ) are driven out of stapling head assembly ( 20 ) into staple forming pockets ( 52 ), as shown in FIG. 2C , legs ( 68 ) of staples ( 66 ) are bent to form completed staples.
- anvil ( 40 ) may be inserted and secured to a portion of tissue ( 2 ) prior to being coupled to stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- anvil ( 40 ) may be inserted into and secured to a first tubular portion of tissue ( 2 ) while instrument ( 10 ) is inserted into and secured to a second tubular portion of tissue ( 2 ).
- the first tubular portion of tissue ( 2 ) may be sutured to or about a portion of anvil ( 40 ), and the second tubular portion of tissue ( 2 ) may be sutured to or about trocar ( 38 ).
- Trocar ( 38 ) of the present example is shown in a distal most actuated position. Such an extended position for trocar ( 38 ) may provide a larger area to which tissue ( 2 ) may be coupled prior to attachment of anvil ( 40 ). In addition, the extended position of trocar ( 38 ) may also provide for easier attachment of anvil ( 40 ) to trocar ( 38 ).
- Trocar ( 38 ) further includes a tapered distal tip. Such a tip may be capable of piercing through tissue and/or aiding the insertion of anvil ( 40 ) on to trocar ( 38 ), though the tapered distal tip is merely optional.
- trocar ( 38 ) may have a blunt tip.
- trocar ( 38 ) may include a magnetic portion (not shown) which may attract anvil ( 40 ) towards trocar ( 38 ).
- anvil ( 40 ) and trocar ( 38 ) will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- Trocar ( 38 ) of the present example is translatable longitudinally relative to stapling head assembly ( 20 ) via an adjusting knob ( 98 ) located at a proximal end of actuator handle assembly ( 70 ), as will be described in greater detail below. Accordingly, when anvil ( 40 ) is coupled to trocar ( 38 ), rotation of adjusting knob ( 98 ) enlarges or reduces gap distance d by actuating anvil ( 40 ) relative to stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- anvil ( 40 ) is shown actuating proximally relative to actuator handle assembly ( 70 ) from an initial, open position to a closed position, thereby reducing the gap distance d and the distance between the two portions of tissue ( 2 ) to be joined.
- stapling head assembly ( 20 ) may be fired, as shown in FIG. 2C , to staple and sever tissue ( 2 ) between anvil ( 40 ) and stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- Stapling head assembly ( 20 ) is operable to staple and sever tissue ( 2 ) by a user pivoting a trigger ( 74 ) of actuator handle assembly ( 70 ), as will be described in greater detail below.
- gap distance d corresponds to the distance between anvil ( 40 ) and stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- this gap distance d may not be easily viewable.
- a moveable indicator bar ( 110 ) shown in FIGS. 5-6 , is provided to be visible through an indicator window ( 120 ) positioned opposite to trigger ( 74 ).
- Indicator bar ( 110 ) is operable to move in response to rotation of adjusting knob ( 98 ) such that the position of indicator bar ( 110 ) is representative of the gap distance d. As shown in FIG.
- indicator window ( 120 ) further comprises a scale ( 130 ) which indicates that the anvil gap is within a desired operating range (e.g., a green colored region or “green zone”) and a corresponding staple compression representation at each end of scale ( 130 ).
- a desired operating range e.g., a green colored region or “green zone”
- a corresponding staple compression representation at each end of scale ( 130 ).
- a first staple image ( 132 ) depicts a large staple height while a second staple image ( 134 ) depicts a small staple height.
- a user can view the position of the coupled anvil ( 40 ) relative to the stapling head assembly ( 20 ) via indicator bar ( 110 ) and scale ( 130 ). The user may then adjust the positioning of anvil ( 40 ) via adjusting knob ( 98 ) accordingly.
- a user sutures a portion of tissue ( 2 ) about tubular member ( 44 ) such that anvil head ( 48 ) is located within a portion of the tissue ( 2 ) to be stapled.
- tissue ( 2 ) is attached to anvil ( 40 )
- retaining clips ( 46 ) and a portion of tubular member ( 44 ) protrude out from tissue ( 2 ) such that the user may couple anvil ( 40 ) to trocar ( 38 ).
- tissue ( 2 ) coupled to trocar ( 38 ) and/or another portion of stapling head assembly ( 20 ) the user attaches anvil ( 40 ) to trocar ( 38 ) and actuates anvil ( 40 ) proximally towards stapling head assembly ( 20 ) to reduce the gap distance d.
- instrument ( 10 ) is within the operating range, the user then staples together the ends of tissue ( 2 ), thereby forming a substantially contiguous tubular portion of tissue ( 2 ).
- Anvil ( 40 ) may be further constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322; 5,285,945; 5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein; and/or in accordance with other configurations as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- Stapling head assembly ( 20 ) of the present example is coupled to a distal end of shaft assembly ( 60 ) and comprises a tubular casing ( 22 ) housing a slidable staple driver ( 24 ) and a plurality of staples ( 66 ) contained within staple pockets ( 32 ). Staples ( 66 ) and staple pockets ( 32 ) are disposed in a circular array about tubular casing ( 22 ). In the present example, staples ( 66 ) and staple pockets ( 32 ) are disposed in a pair of concentric annular rows of staples ( 66 ) and staple pockets ( 32 ).
- Staple driver ( 24 ) is operable to actuate longitudinally within tubular casing ( 22 ) in response to rotation of trigger ( 74 ) of actuator handle assembly ( 70 ).
- staple driver ( 24 ) comprises a flared cylindrical member having a trocar opening ( 26 ), a central recess ( 28 ), and a plurality of members ( 30 ) disposed circumferentially about central recess ( 28 ) and extending distally relative to shaft assembly ( 60 ).
- Each member ( 30 ) is configured to contact and engage a corresponding staple ( 66 ) of the plurality of staples ( 66 ) within staple pockets ( 32 ).
- each member ( 30 ) drives a corresponding staple ( 66 ) out of its staple pocket ( 32 ) through a staple aperture ( 34 ) formed in a distal end of tubular casing ( 22 ). Because each member ( 30 ) extends from staple driver ( 24 ), the plurality of staples ( 66 ) are driven out of stapling head assembly ( 20 ) at substantially the same time.
- FIG. 3 depicts one merely exemplary staple ( 66 ) driven by a member ( 30 ) into a staple forming pocket ( 32 ) of anvil ( 40 ) to bend legs ( 68 ).
- Staple driver ( 24 ) further includes a cylindrical knife ( 36 ) that is coaxial to trocar opening ( 26 ) and inset from staple pockets ( 32 ).
- cylindrical knife ( 36 ) is disposed within central recess ( 28 ) to translate distally with staple driver ( 24 ).
- anvil head ( 48 ) provides a surface against which cylindrical knife ( 36 ) cuts the material contained between anvil ( 40 ) and stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- anvil head ( 48 ) may include a recess (not shown) for cylindrical knife ( 36 ) to aid in cutting the material (e.g., by providing a cooperative shearing edge).
- anvil head ( 48 ) may include one or more opposing cylindrical knives (not shown) offset from cylindrical knife ( 36 ) such that a scissor-type cutting action may be provided. Still other configurations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Stapling head assembly ( 20 ) is thus operable to both staple and cut tissue ( 2 ) substantially simultaneously in response to actuation by actuator handle assembly ( 70 ).
- stapling head assembly ( 20 ) may be further constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322; 5,285,945; 5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein; and/or in accordance with other configurations as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- staple driver ( 24 ) includes a trocar opening ( 26 ).
- Trocar opening ( 26 ) is configured to permit trocar ( 38 ) to longitudinally slide relative to stapling head assembly ( 20 ) and/or shaft assembly ( 60 ).
- trocar ( 38 ) is coupled to a trocar actuator ( 39 ) such that trocar ( 38 ) can be actuated longitudinally via rotation of rotating knob ( 98 ), as will be described in greater detail below in reference to actuator handle assembly ( 70 ).
- trocar actuator ( 39 ) comprises an elongated, relatively stiff shaft coupled to trocar ( 38 ), though this is merely optional.
- actuator ( 39 ) may comprise a longitudinally stiff material while permitting lateral bending such that portions of instrument ( 10 ) may be selectively bent or curved during use; or instrument ( 10 ) may include a preset bent shaft assembly ( 60 ).
- One merely exemplary material is nitinol.
- Stapling head assembly ( 20 ) and trocar ( 38 ) are positioned at a distal end of shaft assembly ( 60 ), as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C .
- Shaft assembly ( 60 ) of the present example comprises an outer tubular member ( 62 ) and a driver actuator ( 64 ).
- Outer tubular member ( 62 ) is coupled to tubular casing ( 22 ) of stapling head assembly ( 20 ) and to a body ( 72 ) of actuator handle assembly ( 70 ), thereby providing a mechanical ground for the actuating components therein.
- the proximal end of driver actuator ( 64 ) is coupled to a trigger actuation assembly ( 84 ) of actuator handle assembly ( 70 ), described below.
- driver actuator ( 64 ) is coupled to staple driver ( 24 ) such that the rotation of trigger ( 74 ) longitudinally actuates staple driver ( 24 ).
- driver actuator ( 64 ) comprises a tubular member having an open longitudinal axis such that actuator ( 39 ) coupled to trocar ( 38 ) may actuate longitudinally within and relative to driver actuator ( 64 ).
- driver actuator ( 64 ) may be disposed within driver actuator ( 64 ) as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- Shaft assembly ( 60 ) may be further constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322; 5,285,945; 5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein; and/or in accordance with other configurations as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- actuator handle assembly ( 70 ) comprises a body ( 72 ), a trigger ( 74 ), a lockout feature ( 82 ), a trigger actuation assembly ( 84 ), and a trocar actuation assembly ( 90 ).
- Trigger ( 74 ) of the present example is pivotably mounted to body ( 72 ) and is coupled to trigger actuation assembly ( 84 ) such that rotation of trigger ( 74 ) from an unfired position (shown in FIG. 4A ) to a fired position (shown in FIG. 4B ) actuates driver actuator ( 64 ) described above.
- a spring ( 78 ) is coupled to body ( 72 ) and trigger ( 74 ) to bias trigger ( 74 ) towards the unfired position.
- Lockout feature ( 82 ) is a pivotable member that is coupled to body ( 72 ). In a first, locked position, lockout feature ( 82 ) is pivoted upwards and away from body ( 72 ) such that lockout feature ( 82 ) engages trigger ( 74 ) and mechanically resists actuation of trigger ( 74 ) by a user. In a second, unlocked position, such as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 4B , lockout feature ( 82 ) is pivoted downward such that trigger ( 74 ) may be actuated by the user. Accordingly, with lockout feature ( 82 ) in the second position, trigger ( 74 ) can engage a trigger actuation assembly ( 84 ) to fire instrument ( 10 ).
- trigger actuation assembly ( 84 ) of the present example comprises a slidable trigger carriage ( 86 ) engaged with a proximal end of driver actuator ( 64 ).
- Carriage ( 86 ) includes a set of tabs ( 88 ) on a proximal end of carriage ( 86 ) to retain and engage a pair of trigger arms ( 76 ) extending from trigger ( 74 ). Accordingly, when trigger ( 74 ) is pivoted, carriage ( 86 ) is actuated longitudinally and transfers the longitudinal motion to driver actuator ( 64 ).
- carriage ( 86 ) is fixedly coupled to the proximal end of driver actuator ( 64 ), though this is merely optional. Indeed, in one merely exemplary alternative, carriage ( 86 ) may simply abut driver actuator ( 64 ) while a distal spring (not shown) biases driver actuator ( 64 ) proximally relative to actuator handle assembly ( 70 ).
- Trigger actuation assembly ( 84 ) may be further constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322; 5,285,945; 5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein; and/or in accordance with other configurations as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- Body ( 72 ) also houses a trocar actuation assembly ( 90 ) configured to actuate trocar ( 38 ) longitudinally in response to rotation of adjusting knob ( 98 ).
- trocar actuation assembly ( 90 ) of the present example comprises adjusting knob ( 98 ), a grooved shank ( 94 ), and a sleeve ( 92 ).
- Grooved shank ( 94 ) of the present example is located at a distal end of trocar actuator ( 39 ), though it should be understood that grooved shank ( 94 ) and trocar actuator ( 39 ) may alternatively be separate components that engage to transmit longitudinal movement.
- Adjusting knob ( 98 ) is rotatably supported by the proximal end of body ( 72 ) and is operable to rotate sleeve ( 92 ) that is engaged with grooved shank ( 94 ) via an internal tab (not shown).
- Grooved shank ( 94 ) of the present example comprises a continuous groove ( 96 ) formed in the outer surface of grooved shank ( 94 ). Accordingly, when adjusting knob ( 98 ) is rotated, the internal tab rides within groove ( 96 ) and grooved shank ( 94 ) is longitudinally actuated relative to sleeve ( 92 ).
- trocar actuator ( 39 ) Since grooved shank ( 94 ) is located at the distal end of trocar actuator ( 39 ), rotating adjusting knob ( 98 ) in a first direction advances trocar actuator ( 39 ) distally relative to actuator handle assembly ( 70 ). Accordingly, the gap distance d between anvil ( 40 ) and stapling head assembly ( 20 ) is increased.
- trocar actuator ( 39 ) By rotating adjusting knob ( 98 ) in the opposite direction, trocar actuator ( 39 ) is actuated proximally relative to actuator handle assembly ( 70 ) to reduce the gap distance d between anvil ( 40 ) and stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- trocar actuation assembly ( 90 ) is operable to actuate trocar ( 38 ) in response to rotating adjustment knob ( 98 ).
- other configurations for trocar actuation assembly ( 90 ) will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- Groove ( 96 ) of the present example comprises a plurality of different portions ( 96 A, 96 B, 96 C) that have a varying pitch or number of grooves per axial distance.
- the present groove ( 96 ) is divided into a distal portion ( 96 A), a middle portion ( 96 B) and a proximal portion ( 96 C).
- distal portion ( 96 A) comprises a fine pitch or a high number of grooves over a short axial distance of grooved shank ( 94 ) such that a large number of rotations of adjusting knob ( 98 ) are required to traverse the short axial distance.
- Middle portion ( 96 B) comprises a section with comparably coarser pitch or fewer grooves per axial distance such that relatively few rotations are required to traverse a long axial distance. Accordingly, the gap distance d may be quickly reduced through relatively few rotations of adjusting knob ( 98 ).
- Proximal portion ( 96 C) of the present example is substantially similar to distal portion ( 96 A) and comprises a fine pitch or a high number of grooves over a short axial distance of grooved shank ( 94 ) such that a large number of rotations are required to traverse the short axial distance.
- Proximal portion ( 96 C) of the present example is positioned within sleeve ( 92 ) when anvil ( 40 ) is substantially near to stapling head assembly ( 20 ) such that indicator bar ( 110 ) moves within indicator window ( 120 ) along scale ( 130 ) to indicate that the anvil gap is within a desired operating range, as will be described in more detail below. Accordingly, when the tab is within proximal portion ( 96 C) of groove ( 96 ), each rotation of adjusting knob ( 98 ) may reduce the gap distance d by a small amount to provide for fine tuning.
- Trocar actuation assembly ( 90 ) may be further constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322; 5,285,945; 5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein; and/or in accordance with other configurations as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- a U-shaped clip ( 100 ) is attached to an intermediate portion of trocar actuator ( 39 ) located distally of grooved shank ( 94 ).
- an extension of trocar actuator ( 39 ) engages a slot in the housing of handle assembly ( 70 ) to prevent trocar actuator ( 39 ) from rotating about its axis when adjusting knob ( 98 ) is rotated.
- U-shaped clip ( 100 ) engages with a portion of body ( 72 ) to substantially prevent trocar actuator ( 39 ) from rotating about its axis when adjusting knob ( 98 ) is rotated.
- U-shaped clip ( 100 ) of the present example further includes an elongated slot ( 102 ) on each of its opposite sides for receiving an attachment member, such as a screw, bolt, pin, clip, etc., to selectively adjust the longitudinal position of elongated slot ( 102 ) of U-shaped clip ( 100 ) relative to trocar actuator ( 39 ) for purposes of calibrating indicator bar ( 110 ) relative to scale ( 130 ).
- an attachment member such as a screw, bolt, pin, clip, etc.
- actuator handle assembly ( 70 ) further includes an indicator bracket ( 140 ) configured to engage and pivot an indicator ( 104 ).
- Indicator bracket ( 140 ) of the present example is slidable relative to body ( 72 ) along a pair of slots formed on body ( 72 ).
- Indicator bracket ( 140 ) comprises a rectangular plate ( 144 ), an indicator arm ( 146 ), and an angled flange ( 142 ).
- Angled flange ( 142 ) is formed at the proximal end of rectangular plate ( 144 ) and includes an aperture (not shown) to slidable mount onto trocar actuator ( 39 ) and/or grooved shank ( 94 ).
- a coil spring ( 150 ) is interposed between flange ( 142 ) and a boss ( 152 ) to bias flange ( 142 ) against U-shaped clip ( 100 ). Accordingly, when U-shaped clip ( 100 ) actuates distally with trocar actuator ( 39 ) and/or grooved shank ( 94 ), coil spring ( 150 ) urges indicator bracket ( 140 ) to travel distally with U-shaped clip ( 100 ). In addition, U-shaped clip ( 100 ) urges indicator bracket ( 140 ) proximally relative to boss ( 152 ) when trocar actuator ( 39 ) and/or grooved shank ( 94 ) translate proximally, thereby compressing coil spring ( 150 ). Of course, it should be understood that in some versions indicator bracket ( 140 ) may be fixedly attached to trocar actuator ( 39 ) and/or grooved shank ( 94 ).
- a portion of lockout feature ( 82 ) abuts a surface ( 141 ) of indicator bracket ( 140 ) when indicator bracket ( 140 ) is in a longitudinal position that does not correspond to when the anvil gap is within a desired operating range (e.g., a green colored region or “green zone”).
- a desired operating range e.g., a green colored region or “green zone”.
- indicator bracket ( 140 ) narrows to provide a pair of gaps ( 145 ) on either side of an indicator arm ( 146 ) that permits lockout feature ( 82 ) to pivot, thereby releasing trigger ( 74 ).
- lockout feature ( 82 ) and indicator bracket ( 140 ) can substantially prevent a user from releasing and operating trigger ( 74 ) until anvil ( 40 ) is in a predetermined operating range.
- lockout feature ( 82 ) may be omitted entirely in some versions.
- This operating range may be visually communicated to the user via an indicator bar ( 110 ) of an indicator ( 104 ) shown against a scale ( 130 ), described briefly above.
- indicator bracket ( 140 ) At the distal end of indicator bracket ( 140 ) is a distally projecting indicator arm ( 146 ) which terminates at a laterally projecting finger ( 148 ) for controlling the movement of indicator ( 104 ).
- Indicator arm ( 146 ) and finger ( 148 ), best shown in FIG. 5 are configured to engage a tab ( 106 ) of indicator ( 104 ) such that indicator ( 104 ) is pivoted when indicator bracket ( 140 ) is actuated longitudinally.
- indicator ( 104 ) is pivotably coupled to body ( 72 ) at a first end of indicator ( 104 ), though this is merely optional and other pivot points for indicator ( 104 ) will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- An indicator bar ( 110 ) is positioned on the second end of indicator ( 104 ) such that indicator bar ( 110 ) moves in response to the actuation of indicator bracket ( 140 ). Accordingly, as discussed above, indicator bar ( 110 ) is displayed through an indicator window ( 120 ) against a scale ( 130 ) (shown in FIG. 6 ) to show the relative gap distance d between anvil ( 40 ) and stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- indicator bracket ( 140 ), indicator ( 104 ), and/or actuator handle assembly ( 70 ) may be further constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322; 5,285,945; 5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein; and/or in accordance with other configurations as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- instrument ( 10 ) may include an operational mode selection assembly that allows the user to disengage an automated, motorized rotary actuation system and provide manual actuation of that system. It may also be desirable to provide a switch assembly for changing the mode of a single rotary drive between a tissue clamping mode and a tissue cutting/stapling mode. In other words, such a switch assembly may enable a single rotary drive to either actuate anvil ( 40 ) clamping features or actuate knife ( 36 ) and staple driving features of instrument ( 10 ).
- instrument ( 10 ) where a single motor can be used to control both clamping and cutting/stapling of tissue via a single rotary drive; where the operator can select between motorized operation and manual operation; and a stapling head cartridge assembly that is responsive to the single rotary drive in motorized and manual operation.
- FIG. 7 shows another exemplary circular stapling instrument ( 210 ), which is a selectively motorized variation of instrument ( 10 ).
- Instrument ( 210 ) of this example comprises a stapling head assembly ( 220 ), an anvil ( 240 ), a shaft assembly ( 260 ), and a handle assembly ( 270 ).
- Stapling head assembly ( 220 ) is similar to stapling head assembly ( 20 ) in that stapling head assembly ( 220 ) selectively couples with anvil ( 240 ).
- Stapling head assembly ( 220 ) is operable to clamp tissue between staple pockets ( 32 ) and staple forming pockets ( 52 ) of anvil ( 240 ).
- Stapling head assembly ( 220 ) comprises a cylindrical knife ( 36 ) that is operable to sever tissue captured between stapling head assembly ( 220 ) and anvil ( 240 ).
- Stapling head assembly ( 220 ) drives staples ( 66 ) through the tissue captured between stapling head assembly ( 220 ) and anvil ( 240 ).
- Stapling instrument ( 210 ) may be used to create a secure anastomosis (e.g., an end-to-end anastomosis) within a gastro-intestinal tract of a patient or elsewhere.
- Stapling head assembly ( 220 ) differs from stapling head assembly ( 20 ) in that stapling head assembly ( 220 ) is operable to clamp tissue, sever tissue, and staple tissue all in response to a single rotary input communicated via shaft assembly ( 260 ). Accordingly, actuation inputs translated linearly through shaft assembly ( 260 ) are not required for stapling head assembly ( 220 ), though stapling head assembly ( 220 ) may comprise a translating clutch feature.
- at least part of stapling head assembly ( 220 ) may be configured in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
- Shaft assembly ( 260 ) is similar to shaft assembly ( 60 ) in that shaft assembly ( 260 ) couples handle assembly ( 270 ) with stapling head assembly ( 220 ).
- Shaft assembly ( 260 ) differs from shaft assembly ( 60 ) in that shaft assembly ( 260 ) comprises a single actuation feature, rotary driver actuator ( 264 ) shown in FIG. 8 .
- Driver actuator ( 264 ) is operable to drive stapling head assembly ( 220 ) to clamp tissue, sever tissue, and staple tissue. Accordingly, linear actuation through shaft assembly ( 260 ) is not required, though rotary driver actuator ( 264 ) may translate longitudinally to shift between a tissue clamping mode and a tissue cutting/stapling mode.
- driver actuator ( 264 ) may translate from a first longitudinal position, in which rotation of driver actuator ( 264 ) provides clamping of tissue at stapling head assembly ( 220 ), to a second longitudinal position, in which rotation of driver actuator ( 264 ) provides cutting and stapling of tissue at stapling head assembly ( 220 ).
- Some versions of shaft assembly ( 260 ) may include one or more flexible sections.
- An example of a shaft assembly that is configured with flexible sections and that may be incorporated into shaft assembly ( 260 ) is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/716,323, entitled “Motor Driven Rotary Input Circular Stapler with Lockable Flexible Shaft,” filed on Dec. 17, 2012, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,463,022 on Oct. 11, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
- shaft assembly ( 260 ) may be rigid along the length of shaft assembly ( 260 ) or have one or more flexible sections configured in some other fashion.
- Handle assembly ( 270 ) is shown in FIGS. 8-10 .
- Handle assembly ( 270 ) comprises a handle housing ( 272 ), a motor housing ( 274 ), a motor ( 280 ), a battery ( 281 ), a rotation knob ( 298 ), an operational mode selection assembly (which is shown in FIGS. 11A-11B ), and a firing ring ( 252 ).
- Motor housing ( 274 ) is positioned within handle housing ( 272 ).
- Handle housing ( 272 ) comprises ribs ( 255 , 256 , 257 ) extending inwardly into handle housing ( 272 ) to support motor housing ( 274 ), as shown in FIG. 9 .
- Battery ( 281 ) is positioned proximal to motor ( 280 ) within motor housing ( 274 ). Battery ( 281 ) may be removed from motor housing ( 274 ) to be replaced, discarded, or recharged. As best seen in FIG. 10 , battery ( 281 ) comprises electrical contacts ( 231 , 232 ) extending distally from battery ( 281 ). Motor ( 280 ) comprises electrical contacts ( 233 , 234 ) extending proximally from motor ( 280 ). Battery electrical contact ( 232 ) and motor electrical contact ( 234 ) are coupled via conductive metal band ( 242 ).
- Screw ( 243 ) couples band ( 242 ) to motor housing ( 274 ) to fix the position of band ( 242 ) relative to motor housing ( 274 ). Accordingly, band ( 242 ) is configured to constantly couple battery electrical contact ( 232 ) and motor electrical contact ( 234 ).
- battery electrical contact ( 231 ) is coupled to a conductive metal band ( 245 ).
- Metal band ( 245 ) is secured to motor housing ( 274 ) via a conductive screw ( 247 ).
- Motor electrical contact ( 233 ) is coupled to a conductive metal band ( 244 ).
- Metal band ( 244 ) is secured to motor housing ( 274 ) via a conductive screw ( 246 ).
- Motor housing ( 274 ) is formed of an electrically insulative material (e.g., plastic) and comprises annular contacts ( 284 , 286 ) wrapped around motor housing ( 274 ).
- Screws ( 246 , 247 ) are each coupled with a respective annular contact ( 284 , 286 ) to electrically couple battery electrical contact ( 231 ) and motor electrical contact ( 233 ) to annular contacts ( 284 , 286 ), respectively.
- Another conductive metal band ( 282 ) is secured to handle housing ( 272 ). Each end of metal band ( 282 ) forms a respective spring contact ( 283 , 285 ).
- Motor housing ( 274 ) translates proximally and/or distally relative to handle housing ( 272 ) to selectively couple and/or decouple spring contacts ( 283 , 285 ) with annular contacts ( 284 , 286 ).
- spring contact ( 283 ) engages annular contact ( 284 ) and spring contact ( 285 ) engages annular contact ( 286 ) to couple battery ( 281 ) with motor ( 280 ) and supply power to motor ( 280 ).
- spring contacts ( 283 , 285 ) are part of the same conductive metal band ( 282 ), and since contacts ( 232 , 234 ) are already coupled via band ( 242 ), the engagement between spring contacts ( 283 , 285 ) and annular contacts ( 284 , 286 ) completes a circuit between battery ( 281 ) and motor ( 280 ). This positioning is used to provide motorized actuation of stapling head assembly ( 220 ) as will be described in greater detail below.
- motor housing ( 274 ) is in a proximal position ( FIG.
- spring contacts ( 283 , 285 ) are decoupled from annular contacts ( 284 , 286 ), such that battery ( 281 ) is decoupled from motor ( 280 ) and motor ( 280 ) does not receive power.
- This positioning is used to provide manual actuation of stapling head assembly ( 220 ) as will be described in greater detail below.
- the annular shape of annular contacts ( 284 , 286 ) enables proper contact between spring contacts ( 283 , 285 ) and annular contacts ( 284 , 286 ) regardless of the angular position of motor housing ( 274 ) within handle housing ( 272 ).
- band ( 282 ) may include a break that is coupled with an external switch, such that a user may actuate the external switch in order to complete the coupling between battery ( 281 ) and motor ( 280 ) after motor housing ( 274 ) is in the distal position.
- Rotation knob ( 298 ) protrudes proximally from handle housing ( 272 ) and comprises splines ( 296 ) extending distally from rotation knob ( 298 ).
- Handle housing ( 272 ) comprises corresponding teeth ( 251 ) to selectively engage splines ( 296 ).
- Rotation knob ( 298 ) is pulled and/or pushed to translate motor housing ( 274 ) within handle housing ( 272 ). When rotation knob ( 298 ) is in a proximal position ( FIG.
- splines ( 296 ) are disengaged from handle housing ( 272 ) such that rotation knob ( 298 ) and motor housing ( 274 ) are free to rotate relative to handle housing ( 272 ). This positioning is used to provide manual actuation of stapling head assembly ( 220 ) as will be described in greater detail below.
- rotation knob ( 298 ) is in a distal position ( FIG. 15A )
- splines ( 296 ) engage corresponding teeth ( 251 ) in handle housing ( 272 ) to lock rotation knob ( 298 ) and motor housing ( 274 ) from rotating relative to handle housing ( 272 ).
- Splines ( 296 ) and teeth ( 251 ) thus provide a mechanical ground for motor housing ( 274 ) relative to handle housing ( 272 ). This positioning is used to provide motorized actuation of stapling head assembly ( 220 ) as will be described in greater detail below.
- Rotation knob ( 298 ) is biased to the distal position by a resilient member ( 279 ) in handle housing ( 272 ).
- resilient member ( 279 ) extends distally from rib ( 255 ) of handle housing ( 272 ) to a first gear ( 278 ), which is unitarily secured to the distal end of motor housing ( 274 ).
- resilient member ( 279 ) compresses between first gear ( 278 ) and rib ( 255 ) to resiliently bias handle housing ( 272 ) to the distal position.
- An operational mode selection assembly is positioned distal to motor housing ( 274 ) within handle housing ( 272 ). As shown in FIGS. 11-13 , the operational mode selection assembly comprises a first gear ( 278 ) and a second gear ( 276 ), with first gear ( 278 ) being coaxially and slidably disposed about second gear ( 276 ).
- First gear ( 278 ) comprises square teeth ( 277 ) aligned around an inner opening of first gear ( 278 ), as shown in FIG. 12 . Teeth ( 277 ) define a circumferentially spaced array of recesses.
- Second gear ( 276 ) comprises a shaft ( 273 ), splines ( 275 ), and annular flanges ( 258 ), as shown in FIG.
- Shaft ( 273 ) has a distally presented opening ( 259 ).
- Distally presented opening ( 259 ) is hexagonal to receive proximal end ( 263 ) of driver actuator ( 264 ), which is also hexagonal ( FIG. 8 ).
- Shaft ( 273 ) also has a proximally presented opening (not shown) that is semi-circular to complement and receive drive shaft ( 287 ) extending distally from motor ( 280 ).
- Other suitable shapes and configurations of shafts ( 263 , 287 ) may used to couple second gear ( 276 ) with shafts ( 263 , 287 ).
- Splines ( 275 ) of second gear ( 276 ) are positioned on a proximal end of shaft ( 273 ) and extend distally. Splines ( 275 ) correspond to teeth ( 277 ) of first gear ( 278 ), such that splines ( 275 ) are configured to fit within the recesses defined between teeth ( 277 ).
- a pair of annular flanges ( 258 ) are positioned at a distal end of shaft ( 273 ) and extend outwardly to engage an inwardly extending annular rib ( 253 ) of handle housing ( 272 ), thereby fixing the longitudinal position of second gear ( 276 ) within handle housing ( 272 ).
- annular rib ( 253 ) fixes the longitudinal position of second gear ( 276 ) within handle housing ( 272 ), annular rib ( 253 ) nevertheless allows second gear ( 276 ) to rotate relative to handle housing ( 272 ).
- Other suitable engagement features to longitudinally fix second gear ( 276 ) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein.
- First gear ( 278 ) is positioned around second gear ( 276 ), as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B .
- First gear ( 278 ) is fixedly coupled to a distal end of motor housing ( 274 ) such that first gear ( 278 ) translates and rotates unitarily with motor housing ( 274 ).
- motor ( 280 ) and first gear ( 278 ) are also in a proximal position.
- drive shaft ( 287 ) of motor ( 280 ) is disengaged from second gear ( 276 ) and teeth ( 277 ) of first gear ( 278 ) engage splines ( 275 ) of second gear ( 276 ).
- rotation knob ( 298 ) rotates, motor housing ( 274 ) and first gear ( 278 ) also rotate. This positioning thereby provides manual actuation of stapling head assembly ( 220 ), as will be described in greater detail below.
- rotation knob ( 298 ) With teeth ( 277 ) of first gear ( 278 ) engaged with splines ( 275 ), rotation knob ( 298 ) thereby rotates second gear ( 276 ) relative to motor housing ( 274 ).
- motor ( 280 ) and first gear ( 278 ) are also in a distal position.
- Motor ( 280 ) is engaged with second gear ( 276 ) via shafts ( 287 , 273 ).
- First gear ( 278 ) slides over shaft ( 273 ) of second gear ( 276 ) to disengage splines ( 275 ).
- the rotation of drive shaft ( 287 ) of motor ( 280 ) thereby rotates second gear ( 276 ).
- This positioning thereby provides motorized actuation of stapling head assembly ( 220 ), as will be described in greater detail below.
- knob ( 298 ) and motor housing ( 274 ) are in a distal position as shown in FIGS. 11A and 15B , motor ( 280 ) rotates second gear ( 276 ).
- knob ( 298 ) and motor housing ( 274 ) are in a proximal position as shown in FIGS. 11B and 17A , knob ( 298 ) rotates second gear ( 276 ).
- a distal end of second gear ( 276 ) is coupled to driver actuator ( 264 ), such that rotation of second gear ( 276 ) rotates driver actuator ( 264 ).
- Driver actuator ( 264 ) is similar to driver actuator ( 64 ). Accordingly, when second gear ( 276 ) is rotated, driver actuator ( 264 ) is rotated to adjust the gap distance d between anvil ( 240 ) and stapling head assembly ( 220 ).
- Handle housing ( 272 ) further comprises firing ring ( 252 ) and coupling member ( 268 ). Coupling member ( 268 ) is secured around recess ( 261 ) of driver actuator ( 264 ), as shown in FIG. 8 .
- Coupling member ( 268 ) translates with driver actuator ( 264 ), but driver actuator ( 264 ) is free to rotate within coupling member ( 268 ).
- Coupling member ( 268 ) comprises protrusions extending outwardly that connect coupling member ( 268 ) to firing ring ( 252 ). The protrusions of coupling member ( 268 ) extend through slots ( 265 , 266 , 267 ) of housing assembly ( 272 ), as shown in FIG. 14 .
- Slot ( 265 ) extends circumferentially about part of handle assembly ( 272 ).
- Slot ( 266 ) extends proximally from slot ( 265 ).
- Slot ( 267 ) extends transversely from slot ( 266 ) and is substantially parallel with slot ( 265 ).
- Firing ring ( 252 ) is wrapped around handle housing ( 272 ) and is rotatable and translatable relative to handle housing ( 272 ) to manually drive the protrusions of coupling member ( 268 ) through slots ( 265 , 266 , 267 ).
- coupling member ( 268 ) When firing ring ( 252 ) is in a distal position, protrusions of coupling member ( 268 ) are positioned within slot ( 265 ) of handle housing ( 272 ).
- coupling member ( 268 ) couples driver actuator ( 264 ) with features in stapling head assembly ( 220 ) operable to adjust the gap distance d between anvil ( 240 ) and stapling head assembly ( 220 ). For instance, if coupling member ( 268 ) is rotated clockwise within slot ( 265 ), the gap distance d is decreased to close anvil ( 240 ) relative to stapling head assembly ( 220 ).
- coupling member ( 268 ) is rotated counterclockwise within slot ( 265 ), the gap distance d is increased to open anvil ( 240 ) relative to stapling head assembly ( 220 ).
- a resilient member ( 269 ) is positioned proximal to coupling member ( 268 ) to bias coupling member ( 268 ) distally ( FIG. 8 ).
- Coupling member ( 268 ) of firing ring ( 252 ) may then be translated proximally through slot ( 266 ) to slot ( 267 ).
- protrusions of coupling member ( 268 ) are positioned within slot ( 267 ).
- coupling member ( 268 ) When coupling member ( 268 ) is positioned within slot ( 267 ), coupling member ( 268 ) couples driver actuator ( 264 ) with features in stapling head assembly ( 220 ) that drive knife ( 36 ) and staples ( 66 ) in response to rotation of driver actuator ( 264 ). For instance, if coupling member ( 268 ) is rotated clockwise within slot ( 267 ), stapling head assembly ( 220 ) drives knife ( 36 ) and staples ( 66 ). The configuration of slot ( 367 ) prevents coupling member ( 268 ) from being rotated counterclockwise. Other suitable coupling member ( 268 ) rotation configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in view of the teachings herein.
- a switch ( 248 ) is positioned in handle housing ( 272 ) to align with coupling member ( 268 ).
- switch ( 248 ) is configured to electrically couple motor ( 280 ) and battery ( 281 ) when switch ( 248 ) is depressed, and switch ( 248 ) is configured to electrically decouple motor ( 280 ) and battery ( 281 ) when switch ( 248 ) is not depressed.
- Coupling member ( 268 ) is configured to engage and depress switch ( 248 ) when coupling member ( 268 ) is rotated.
- housing ( 272 ) may include three switches ( 248 ).
- one switch ( 248 ) may be positioned for activation when firing ring ( 252 ) is rotated clockwise while in the proximal position (e.g., with coupling member ( 268 ) in slot ( 267 )); with another switch ( 248 ) being positioned for activation when firing ring ( 252 ) is rotated clockwise while in the distal position (e.g., with coupling member ( 268 ) in slot ( 265 )); with yet another switch ( 248 ) being positioned for activation when firing ring ( 252 ) is rotated counterclockwise while in the distal position.
- a control logic may be in communication with the switches ( 248 ) that are activated when firing ring ( 252 ) is rotated while in the distal position. Such a control logic may be operable to selectively reverse the direction of rotation by motor ( 280 ), to thereby provide selective advancement or retraction of trocar ( 238 ) and anvil ( 240 ) to adjust the gap distance d, depending on the direction in which firing ring ( 252 ) is rotated.
- firing ring ( 252 ) and coupling member ( 268 ) act as a clutch control to shift driver actuator ( 264 ) from an anvil clamping mode (when coupling member ( 268 ) is in the distal position) to a cutting/stapling mode (when coupling member ( 268 ) is in the proximal position).
- driver actuator ( 264 ) is in the proximal position.
- An example of a stapling head assembly ( 220 ) responsive to such changes in driver actuator ( 264 ) positioning is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/716,318, entitled “Motor Driven Rotary Input Circular Stapler with Modular End Effector,” filed on Dec. 17, 2012, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,597,081 on Mar.
- Outer tubular member ( 262 ) is coupled to actuator handle assembly ( 270 ). Outer tubular member ( 262 ) is similar to outer tubular member ( 62 ) to provide a mechanical ground between stapling head assembly ( 220 ) and handle assembly ( 270 ).
- FIGS. 15A-15C show instrument ( 210 ) during motorized operation.
- FIG. 15A shows anvil ( 240 ) being coupled to trocar ( 238 ).
- Anvil ( 240 ) couples with trocar ( 238 ) in a manner similar to that described above with respect to anvil ( 40 ) and trocar ( 38 ).
- rotation knob ( 298 ) is in a distal position. In the distal position, splines ( 296 ) of rotation knob ( 298 ) engage corresponding teeth ( 251 ) in handle housing ( 272 ) to lock rotation knob ( 298 ) from rotating relative to handle housing ( 272 ).
- motor housing ( 274 ) When rotation knob ( 298 ) is in the distal position, motor housing ( 274 ) is also in a distal position. When motor housing ( 274 ) is in the distal position, spring contacts ( 283 , 285 ) are aligned with annular contacts ( 284 , 286 ) to couple electrical contact ( 231 ) of battery ( 281 ) with electrical contact ( 233 ) of motor ( 280 ). Power is supplied from battery ( 281 ) to motor ( 280 ) when coupling member ( 268 ) is rotated to depress switch ( 248 ).
- Motor ( 280 ) is engaged with second gear ( 276 ) via shafts ( 287 , 273 ) and first gear ( 278 ) is disengaged from splines ( 275 ), thereby permitting second gear ( 276 ) to rotate relative to first gear ( 278 ), motor housing ( 274 ), and handle housing ( 272 ).
- Protrusions of coupling member ( 268 ) are positioned distally within slot ( 265 ) of handle housing ( 272 ) to lock the longitudinal position of firing ring ( 252 ) and driver actuator ( 264 ).
- firing ring ( 252 ) is rotated clockwise to translate coupling member ( 268 ) within slot ( 267 ).
- switch ( 248 ) is depressed to couple motor ( 280 ) and battery ( 281 ) and supply power to motor ( 280 ).
- Motor ( 280 ) is thus activated to rotate shaft ( 287 ).
- Shaft ( 287 ) thereby rotates second gear ( 276 ). Because second gear ( 276 ) is coupled to driver actuator ( 264 ), the rotation of second gear ( 276 ) also rotates driver actuator ( 264 ).
- This rotation of driver actuator ( 264 ) drives features in stapling head assembly ( 220 ) to adjust the gap distance d between anvil ( 240 ) and stapling head assembly ( 220 ).
- firing ring ( 252 ) is rotated counterclockwise to a neutral position to release switch ( 248 ) such that motor ( 280 ) is decoupled from battery ( 281 ).
- Instrument ( 210 ) may then be fired, as shown in FIG. 15C . Firing ring ( 252 ) is translated to position coupling member ( 268 ) out of slot ( 265 ) to the proximal position in slot ( 267 ).
- coupling member ( 268 ) When coupling member ( 268 ) is translated proximally to slot ( 267 ), coupling member ( 268 ) also translates driver actuator ( 264 ) proximally to couple driver actuator ( 264 ) with features in stapling head assembly ( 220 ) operable to drive knife ( 36 ) distally and to drive staples ( 66 ) into anvil ( 240 ) to staple the clamped tissue ( 2 , 4 ) to create an anastomosis.
- Firing ring ( 252 ) is rotated clockwise within slot ( 267 ) to depress switch ( 248 ) to again couple battery ( 281 ) with motor ( 280 ) to supply power to motor ( 280 ).
- Motor ( 280 ) is again rotated with coupling member ( 268 ) and driver actuator ( 264 ) in the proximal position. This rotation is communicated to driver actuator ( 264 ) via drive shaft ( 287 ) and second gear ( 276 ), and is thereby communicated to driver actuator ( 264 ) to cut and staple tissue ( 2 , 4 ). Firing ring ( 252 ) may then be rotated counterclockwise within slot ( 267 ) to the neutral position to release switch ( 248 ) and decouple motor ( 280 ) from battery ( 281 ).
- instrument ( 210 ) is switched from motorized operation to manual operation.
- a user may grasp rotation knob ( 298 ) to translate rotation knob ( 298 ) from the distal position to the proximal position.
- splines ( 296 ) of rotation knob ( 298 ) disengage from corresponding teeth ( 251 ) in handle housing ( 272 ) to allow rotation knob ( 298 ) to rotate relative to handle housing ( 272 ).
- This also allows motor housing ( 274 ) and first gear ( 278 ) to rotate relative to handle housing ( 272 ).
- motor housing ( 274 ) is also in a proximal position.
- motor housing ( 274 ) When motor housing ( 274 ) is in the proximal position, spring contacts ( 283 , 285 ) are offset from annular contacts ( 284 , 286 ) to decouple battery ( 281 ) from motor ( 280 ) such that no power is supplied to motor ( 280 ).
- First gear ( 278 ) translates proximally to engage splines ( 275 ) of second gear ( 276 ).
- rotation of rotation knob ( 298 ) rotates motor housing ( 274 ), first gear ( 278 ), second gear ( 276 ), and driver actuator ( 264 ).
- a user may also push rotation knob ( 298 ) back distally to reselect motorized operation.
- Rotation knob ( 298 ) as an actuator to select between motorized and manual operation, the need for lockouts or switches to simultaneously remove power to motor ( 280 ) is eliminated.
- Rotation knob ( 298 ) thus provides a “bailout” system of motorized operation, while allowing instrument ( 210 ) to be fully operational in the manual operational mode. It should therefore be understood that even if an operator initially uses instrument ( 210 ) in a motorized mode, the operator may quickly and easily convert instrument ( 210 ) to a manually operated mode simply by pulling on rotation knob ( 298 ), without sacrificing essential functionality of instrument ( 210 ).
- FIGS. 17A-17C show instrument ( 210 ) during manual operation.
- FIG. 17A shows anvil ( 240 ) being coupled to trocar ( 238 ).
- Rotation knob ( 298 ) is in the proximal position, as described above.
- FIG. 17B rotation knob ( 298 ) is rotated to rotate motor housing ( 274 ) relative to handle housing ( 272 ).
- Motor housing ( 274 ) thereby rotates first gear ( 278 ).
- First gear ( 278 ) is engaged with splines ( 275 ) to rotate second gear ( 276 ). Because second gear ( 276 ) is coupled to driver actuator ( 264 ), the rotation of second gear ( 276 ) also rotates driver actuator ( 264 ).
- driver actuator ( 264 ) rotates features in stapling head assembly ( 220 ) to adjust the gap distance d between anvil ( 240 ) and stapling head assembly ( 220 ).
- instrument ( 210 ) may be fired, as shown in FIG. 17C .
- Firing ring ( 252 ) is translated from the distal position and out of slot ( 265 ) to the proximal position with slot ( 267 ).
- coupling member ( 268 ) When coupling member ( 268 ) is translated proximally to slot ( 267 ), coupling member ( 268 ) also translates driver actuator ( 264 ) proximally to couple driver actuator ( 264 ) with features in stapling head assembly ( 220 ) operable to drive knife ( 36 ) distally and to drive staples ( 66 ) into anvil ( 240 ) to staple the clamped tissue ( 2 , 4 ) to create an anastomosis.
- Rotation knob ( 298 ) is again rotated with coupling member ( 268 ) and driver actuator ( 264 ) in the proximal position. This rotation is communicated to driver actuator ( 264 ) via first gear ( 278 ) and second gear ( 276 ), and is thereby communicated to driver actuator ( 264 ) to cut and staple tissue ( 2 , 4 ).
- FIG. 18 shows an exemplary control assembly ( 228 ) for use with instrument ( 210 ).
- Control assembly ( 228 ) comprises a sensor ( 222 ), a control module ( 224 ), and a feedback feature ( 226 ).
- Feedback feature ( 226 ) may be operable to provide visual, audio, and/or haptic feedback (LED lights, LED display, speaker, vibration generator, etc.).
- Sensor ( 222 ) is coupled to instrument ( 210 ) and is configured to detect movement within the drive train of instrument ( 210 ).
- sensor ( 222 ) may comprise an encoder positioned to detect rotation of driver actuator ( 264 ) or some other rotating component of drive train (e.g, a component that rotates but does not also translate).
- Control module ( 224 ) is configured to process the sensed signal and may determine the selected operational mode of instrument ( 210 ), the gap distance d between anvil ( 240 ) and stapling head assembly ( 220 ), and/or the firing of knife ( 36 ) and staples ( 66 ).
- control module ( 224 ) is coupled with instrument ( 210 ) and feedback feature ( 226 ).
- control module ( 224 ) may be coupled with either of instrument ( 210 ) or feedback feature ( 226 ).
- Control module ( 224 ) may also be coupled with switch ( 248 ) to actuate motor ( 280 ) when switch ( 248 ) is depressed.
- Each of sensor ( 222 ), control module ( 224 ), and feedback feature ( 226 ) may be located within instrument ( 210 ) or remotely from instrument ( 210 ).
- control module ( 224 ) is operable to actuate instrument ( 210 ) and/or feedback feature ( 226 ).
- control module ( 224 ) may actuate feedback feature ( 226 ) to indicate the selected operational mode of instrument ( 210 ).
- feedback feature ( 226 ) may have a first LED corresponding to the motorized operational mode and a second LED corresponding to the manual operational mode.
- Sensor ( 222 ) may detect the proximal and/or distal position of rotation knob ( 298 ) and/or motor housing ( 274 ) and provide the information to control module ( 224 ).
- Control module ( 224 ) may then illuminate the first LED if sensor ( 222 ) detects the proximal position to indicate the motorized operational mode is selected. Control module ( 224 ) may illuminate the second LED if sensor ( 222 ) detects the distal position to indicate the manual operational mode is selected.
- feedback feature ( 226 ) may have only one LED which is either illuminated or not to indicate the operational mode, or feedback feature ( 226 ) may have a speaker to provide a sound when the operational mode is changed.
- control module ( 224 ) may actuate feedback feature ( 226 ) to indicate the selected mode of stapling assembly ( 220 ).
- Feedback feature ( 226 ) may have a first LED corresponding to the tissue clamping mode and a second LED corresponding to the firing mode.
- Sensor ( 222 ) may detect the proximal and/or distal position of firing ring ( 252 ), coupling member ( 268 ) and/or driver actuator ( 264 ) and provide the information to control module ( 224 ).
- Control module ( 224 ) may then illuminate the first LED if sensor ( 222 ) detects the distal position to indicate the tissue clamping mode is selected.
- Control module ( 224 ) may illuminate the second LED if sensor ( 222 ) detects the proximal position to indicate the firing mode is selected.
- feedback feature ( 226 ) may have only one LED which is either illuminated or not to indicate stapling head assembly ( 220 ) mode, or feedback feature ( 226 ) may have a speaker to provide a sound when stapling head assembly ( 220 ) mode is changed.
- control module ( 224 ) may actuate feedback feature ( 226 ) to indicate the gap distance d between anvil ( 240 ) and stapling head assembly ( 220 ).
- Sensor ( 222 ) may detect the number of rotations of driver actuator ( 264 ).
- Control module ( 224 ) may then determine the gap distance d based on the sensed signal and actuate feedback feature ( 226 ).
- Feedback feature ( 226 ) may comprise a plurality of LEDs that individually illuminate to indicate the gap distance d. As gap distance d increases, LEDs may illuminate to correspond to the gap distance d. As gap distance d decreases, LEDs may turn off to correspond to the gap distance d.
- feedback feature ( 226 ) may comprise an LED display screen that provides a real-time indication of the gap distance d.
- Feedback feature ( 226 ) may also have a speaker that emits a sound that changes in either pitch or volume to indicate the corresponding gap distance d.
- one LED may be used to indicate when a particular gap distance d has been reached, or a sound may be provided when the particular gap distance d has been reached.
- feedback feature ( 226 ) includes the capability of providing haptic feedback to the operator
- various conventional components may be incorporated into handle assembly ( 270 ) to provide such haptic feedback.
- haptic feedback may be provided through motor ( 280 ).
- feedback feature ( 226 ) may be configured to provide a sine wave signal to motor ( 280 ) to essentially rotate drive shaft ( 287 ) slightly clockwise and then immediately rotating it slightly counterclockwise the exact same amount. The net result would be zero rotational displacement of drive shaft ( 287 ).
- the movement of drive shaft ( 287 ) may cause handle assembly ( 270 ) to vibrate or otherwise shake enough for the operator to feel it through the hand that grasps handle assembly ( 270 ).
- the haptic feedback may result in no net actuation of anything in head assembly ( 220 ), regardless of whether driver actuator ( 264 ) is in the distal position or the proximal position.
- Such haptic feedback may be provided to indicate the end of a stapling stroke, to indicate a lockout condition, and/or to indicate some other condition.
- audio, visual, and/or haptic feedback may be provided will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- control module ( 224 ) may actuate instrument ( 210 ).
- Sensor ( 222 ) may be configured to detect when knife ( 36 ) and staples ( 66 ) have been fired. Control module ( 224 ) may thus automatically reverse motor ( 280 ) once knife ( 36 ) and staples ( 66 ) have been fired. Control module ( 224 ) may also actuate feedback feature ( 226 ) to indicate to a user that instrument ( 210 ) has been fired.
- Other suitable ways in which sensors ( 222 ), control module ( 224 ), and feedback feature ( 226 ) may be used will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should also be understood that such features may be simply omitted if desired.
- surgical stapling instrument ( 10 , 210 ) has two sub-systems, a closure sub-system (to clamp tissue between anvil ( 40 , 240 ) and stapling head assembly ( 20 , 220 )) and a firing sub-system (to drive knife ( 36 ) and staples ( 66 ) distally toward anvil ( 40 , 240 )), in order to create an anastomosis. It may be desirable to power both sub-systems with a single rotary motor to eliminate the cost and packaging of an additional motor and transmission.
- FIGS. 19-20 show an exemplary drive assembly ( 371 ) configured to power two sub-systems with a single rotary motor ( 380 ).
- drive assembly ( 371 ) of this example provides closure and firing through two separate rotary drive shafts driven by a single motor ( 380 ).
- Drive assembly ( 371 ) comprises a motor ( 380 ), a transmission shaft ( 392 ), a solenoid ( 390 ), a closure rod ( 364 ), and a firing rod ( 362 ).
- Motor ( 380 ) comprises a shaft ( 368 ) extending from motor ( 380 ) and a gear ( 370 ) coupled to shaft ( 368 ).
- Transmission shaft ( 392 ) comprises a gear ( 372 ) engaged with gear ( 370 ) of motor ( 380 ).
- a gear ( 377 ) is positioned on the opposing end of transmission shaft ( 392 ).
- a pivoting swing arm ( 391 ) is wrapped around transmission shaft ( 392 ) such that transmission shaft ( 392 ) may freely rotate relative to swing arm ( 391 ), as shown in FIG. 18 .
- Swing arm ( 391 ) extends from transmission shaft ( 392 ) and comprises a gear ( 376 ).
- Gear ( 376 ) is fixedly secured to swing arm ( 391 ).
- a pin ( 394 ) extends from swing arm ( 391 ) and is coaxial with gear ( 376 ).
- Pin ( 394 ) is pivotally supported by a bracket ( 393 ), such that swing arm ( 391 ) is pivotable about pin ( 394 ) relative to bracket ( 393 ) in response to rotation of gear ( 376 ).
- Solenoid ( 390 ) comprises a gear ( 374 ) coupled to a rack ( 371 ).
- Rack ( 371 ) is also coupled to a gear ( 375 ), which engages gear ( 376 ) of swing arm ( 391 ).
- gear ( 374 ) of solenoid ( 390 ) may directly couple to gear ( 376 ) of swing arm ( 391 ).
- Closure rod ( 364 ) comprises a gear ( 378 ).
- Firing rod ( 362 ) is positioned adjacent to and substantially parallel with closure rod ( 364 ).
- Firing rod ( 362 ) comprises a gear ( 379 ).
- Gear ( 377 ) of transmission shaft ( 392 ) selectively swings to engage either gear ( 378 ) of closure rod ( 364 ) or gear ( 379 ) of firing rod ( 362 ).
- transmission shaft ( 392 ) is positioned to engage closure rod ( 364 ). Accordingly, when motor ( 380 ) is activated, shaft ( 368 ) rotates gear ( 370 ). Gear ( 370 ) thereby rotates gear ( 372 ) and transmission shaft ( 392 ) to rotate gear ( 377 ). Because gear ( 377 ) is engaged with gear ( 378 ), transmission shaft ( 392 ) thereby rotates closure rod ( 364 ). Closure rod ( 364 ) may be used to adjust the gap distance d between anvil ( 40 , 240 ) and stapling head assembly ( 20 , 220 ).
- solenoid ( 390 ) may be actuated.
- solenoid ( 390 ) When solenoid ( 390 ) is actuated, solenoid ( 390 ) rotates gear ( 374 ) to translate rack ( 371 ).
- Rack ( 371 ) then rotates gear ( 375 ) and gear ( 376 ) of swing arm ( 391 ).
- Gear ( 376 ) thereby pivots swing arm ( 391 ).
- swing arm ( 391 ) pivots, swing arm ( 391 ) translates transmission shaft ( 392 ) such that transmission shaft ( 392 ) disengages closure rod ( 364 ) and engages firing rod ( 362 ).
- gear ( 370 ) when motor ( 380 ) is activated, shaft ( 368 ) rotates gear ( 370 ). Gear ( 370 ) thereby rotates gear ( 372 ) and transmission shaft ( 392 ) to rotate gear ( 377 ). Because gear ( 377 ) is now engaged with gear ( 379 ), transmission shaft ( 392 ) thereby rotates firing rod ( 362 ). Firing rod ( 364 ) may be used to drive knife ( 36 ) and staples ( 66 ) distally toward anvil ( 40 , 240 ). Solenoid ( 390 ) may then be actuated again such that switch assembly ( 371 ) switches to the closure sub-system via swing arm ( 391 ).
- Solenoid ( 390 ) may be button activated or be otherwise manually activated.
- switching assembly ( 371 ) may incorporate logic such that solenoid ( 390 ) is activated automatically.
- a user may actuate drive assembly ( 371 ) by inputting a user input ( 310 ) into a control module ( 312 ), as shown in FIG. 19 .
- Control module ( 312 ) is coupled to motor ( 380 ) and solenoid ( 390 ) to selectively actuate motor ( 380 ) and/or solenoid ( 390 ) based on user input ( 310 ).
- Control module ( 312 ) may be integral with instrument ( 10 , 210 ), or control module ( 312 ) may be a separate assembly. Suitable control module ( 312 ) configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- FIGS. 21-22 depict a unique and novel collapsible or compressible staple driver arrangement that enables the various staple drivers to accommodate different tissue thicknesses by collapsing or compressing in response to compression forces that the driver encounters during the firing process.
- firing process refers to the process of driving the staple drivers towards the staple forming undersurface of the anvil.
- prior staple drivers were fabricated from stiff/rigid material designed to resist deflection and deformation when encountering compression forces during the firing process.
- a variety of such driver configurations are known. For example, some staple drivers are configured to support a single staple and others are designed to support multiple staples.
- FIG. 21 depicts a staple applying assembly ( 916 h ) that includes an elongate channel ( 940 h ) that has an anvil ( 920 h ) pivotally coupled thereto in a known manner.
- the elongate channel ( 940 h ) is configured to operably support a staple cartridge ( 942 h ) therein.
- the anvil ( 920 h ) has a staple forming undersurface ( 960 h ) thereon that is adapted to confront the upper surface ( 943 h ) of the staple cartridge ( 942 h ) when the anvil ( 920 h ) is pivoted to the closed position shown in FIG. 21 .
- the staples ( 983 ) are each supported on a corresponding staple driver ( 500 ), the construction of which will be discussed in further detail below.
- Each staple driver ( 500 ) may be movably supported within a corresponding staple channel ( 987 h ) provided in the cartridge body ( 985 h ) as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 .
- a driving member or wedge sled ( 978 ) that is oriented for engagement by the E-beam firing member ( 950 ) during the firing process.
- the wedge sled ( 978 ) drives the staple drivers ( 500 ) upwardly within the cartridge body ( 985 h ).
- the staple drivers ( 500 ) are driven upwardly toward the staple forming undersurface ( 960 h ) of the anvil ( 920 h ), they carry with them their respective staple ( 983 ) or staples which are driven into forming engagement with the corresponding staple forming pockets ( 961 h ) in the staple forming undersurface ( 960 h ) of the anvil ( 920 h ).
- the ends ( 988 ) of the staple ( 983 ) contact the forming pockets ( 961 h ), they are bent over thus providing the staple ( 983 ) with a shape that somewhat resembles a “B”.
- the collapsible or compressible staple driver ( 500 ) includes a base portion ( 502 ) and a staple supporting portion ( 520 ) that is movable from a first uncollapsed position relative to the base portion ( 502 ) in response to compression forces generated during the firing process.
- the base portion ( 502 ) may have a forward support column segment and a rearward support column segment that is spaced from the forward support column segment and is substantially integrally formed therewith.
- the base portion ( 502 ) may also have an upstanding side portion that has a rib protruding from a backside therefrom.
- the upstanding side portion serves to define a receiving ledge ( 514 ) in the base portion ( 502 ) for receiving the staple supporting portion ( 520 ) thereon.
- a receiving ledge ( 514 ) in the base portion ( 502 ) for receiving the staple supporting portion ( 520 ) thereon.
- the staple supporting portion ( 520 ) of the staple driver ( 500 ) may similarly include a forward support column segment and rearward support column segment that is spaced from the forward support column segment.
- the forward support column segments serve to form a forward column portion and the reward column segments form a rearward column portion.
- a forward staple receiving groove ( 526 ) is formed in the forward support column segment and a rearward staple receiving groove ( 528 ) is formed in the rearward support column segment.
- the forward staple receiving groove ( 526 ) and the rearward staple receiving groove ( 528 ) serve to support a staple ( 983 ) therein as illustrated in FIG. 22 .
- the rib and the forward column and rearward column may cooperate with corresponding channels (not shown) in the staple cartridge body ( 985 ) to provide lateral support to the staple driver ( 500 ) while permitting the driver to be driven upward within the cartridge body ( 985 ) during the firing process.
- a resistive attachment structure is provided to support the staple supporting portion ( 520 ) in a first uncompressed or uncollapsed orientation relative to the base portion prior to encountering any compressive forces during the firing operation and to permit the staple supporting portion ( 520 ) and the base portion to move towards each other (collapse or compress) in response to the magnitude of the compression forces applied to the staple supporting portion ( 520 ) and base portion ( 520 ) during the staple firing operation.
- the resistive attachment structure in various embodiments may comprise a pair of attachment rods ( 540 ) that protrude from the bottom of the staple supporting portion ( 520 ) and correspond to holes or apertures ( 542 ) in the base portion ( 502 ).
- the rods ( 540 ) are sized and shaped relative to the holes ( 542 ) to establish an interference fit or “light press fit” (i.e., an interference of approximately 0.001 inches) therebetween such that when the staple supporting portion ( 520 ) and base driver portion ( 502 ) are compressed together during the staple firing operation as will be discussed in further detail below, the staple supporting portion ( 520 ) and the base portion ( 502 ) can compress toward each other to reduce the overall height of the staple driver ( 500 ) in relation to the amount of compression force encountered during the firing process.
- the staple supporting portion ( 520 ) and base portion ( 520 ) may be fabricated from the same material such as, for example, plastic material such as ULTEM®.
- the base portion ( 502 ) and the staple supporting portion ( 520 ) may be fabricated from different materials.
- staple supporting portion ( 520 ) may be fabricated from ULTEM® and base portion ( 502 ) may be fabricated from glass or mineral filled ULTEM®.
- other materials could also be employed.
- the base portion ( 502 ) could be fabricated from Nylon 6/6 or Nylon 6/12.
- a frictional or an interference fit of approximately 0.001 inch may be established between the attachment rods ( 540 ) and their corresponding holes ( 542 ).
- degrees of interference fit may be employed to attain the desired amount and rate of driver compression in proportion to the magnitude of compression forces encountered when stapling a particular type/thickness of tissue.
- the degree of interference fit between the attachment rods ( 540 ) and their respective holes ( 542 ) may be approximately 0.002 to 0.005 inches for stapling tissues wherein it is anticipated that compression forces on the order of 2-5 pounds may be generated during the firing operation.
- FIG. 22 illustrates various ranges of travel and compression that the staple drivers ( 500 ) may experience when encountering tissues of varying thicknesses. More specifically, FIG. 22 illustrates a portion of tissue ( 560 ) clamped between the upper surface ( 943 h ) of the staple cartridge ( 942 h ) and the staple forming undersurface ( 960 h ) of the anvil ( 920 h ). As illustrated in FIG. 22 , the tissue ( 560 ) has three thicknesses. The thickest portion of tissue is designated as ( 562 ) and comprises the portion of tissue that is on the right side of the Figure.
- the next thickness portion of tissue is designated as ( 564 ) and the thinnest portion of tissue ( 560 ) is designated as ( 566 ) and is on the left side of the Figure.
- the staple driver associated with tissue portion ( 562 ) is designated as staple driver ( 500 a ).
- the staple driver associated with tissue portion ( 564 ) is designated as staple driver ( 500 b ) and the staple driver associated with tissue portion ( 566 ) is designated as ( 500 c ).
- staple drivers ( 500 a , 500 b , 500 c ) may be identical in construction to staple driver ( 500 ) as described above.
- staple driver ( 500 a ) first, as the staple driver ( 500 a ) is driven upwardly towards the staple forming undersurface ( 960 h ) of the anvil ( 920 h ) by the wedge sled (not shown in FIG. 22 ), it encounters the thick tissue portion ( 562 ) which resists the upward movement of the staple driver ( 500 a ).
- Such resistive force opposes the drive force (represented by arrow 572 ) generated by the wedge sled and serves to overcome the amount of interference established between the attachment rods ( 540 ) and their respective holes ( 542 ) and forces the rods ( 540 ) deeper into their respective holes ( 542 ) to thereby permit the staple supporting portion ( 520 a ) of the staple driver ( 500 a ) and base portion ( 502 a ) to move toward each other.
- This movement of the staple supporting portion ( 520 a ) and base portion ( 502 a ) towards each other under a compressive force generated during the staple firing operation is referred to herein as “collapsing” or “compressing”.
- the staple supporting ledges ( 526 a , 528 a ) on the staple supporting portion ( 520 a ) may preferably support the bottom cross member ( 989 ) of the staple ( 983 ) above the upper surface ( 943 h ) of the staple cartridge ( 942 h ) to avoid catching the staple ( 983 ) on the staple cartridge ( 942 h ) when the staple applying assembly ( 16 h ) is withdrawn.
- the compressed height of the staple driver ( 500 a ) is designated by arrow 574 in FIG. 22 .
- staple driver ( 500 b ) which corresponds to tissue portion ( 564 ) which corresponds to tissue portion ( 564 ), because the tissue portion ( 564 ) is not as thick as tissue portion ( 562 ), the resistive force ( 570 b ) encountered by the staple driver ( 500 b ) during the firing operation is not as great as resistive force ( 570 ). Therefore, the attachment pins ( 540 b ) of staple driver ( 500 b ) are not advanced into their respective holes ( 542 b ) as far as the pins ( 540 ) of staple driver ( 500 a ) were advanced into their respective holes ( 542 ). Thus, the compressed height ( 576 ) of staple driver ( 500 b ) is greater than the compressed height ( 574 ) of staple driver ( 500 a ). As can also be seen in FIG. 22 , the bottom portion ( 989 ) of the staple ( 983 ) supported in staple driver ( 500 b ) is supported above the upper surface ( 943 h ) of the staple cartridge ( 942
- Staple driver ( 500 c ) is associated with the thinnest tissue portion ( 566 ).
- the resistive force ( 570 c ) encountered by the staple driver ( 500 c ) during the staple firing operation is less than the resistive force ( 570 b ) that was encountered by staple driver ( 500 b ).
- the pins ( 540 c ) of staple driver ( 500 c ) are not advanced into their respective holes ( 542 c ) as far as the pins ( 540 b ) of staple driver ( 500 b ) were advanced into their respective holes ( 542 b ).
- the compressed height ( 578 ) of staple driver ( 500 c ) is greater than the compressed height ( 576 ) of staple driver ( 500 b ).
- the staple ( 983 c ) supported by staple driver ( 500 c ) was compressed to a greater extent than the staple ( 983 b ) that was supported by staple driver ( 500 b ).
- the formed height of staple ( 983 c ) is less than the formed height of staple ( 983 b ) which is less than the formed height of staple ( 983 a ) as illustrated in FIG. 22 .
- attachment rods and their respective holes can vary from embodiment to embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such interrelationship between the attachment rods and their respective holes serves to establish an amount of frictional interference therebetween which can be overcome in relation to various compression forces encountered when clamping/stapling different thicknesses of tissue.
- the attachment to rods ( 540 ) may be formed on the base portion ( 502 ) and the holes provided in the staple supporting portion ( 520 ).
- FIGS. 23-24 illustrate another unique and novel endocutter implement portion of various embodiments of the present invention that includes an elongate channel and an anvil arrangement ( 1050 e ) that are “self adjusting” with respect to tissue thickness.
- the proximal end of the anvil ( 1050 e ) is pivotally attached to the proximal end of the elongate channel by mounting members which may comprise trunnions movably received in corresponding elongate slots formed in the proximal end of the elongate channel.
- FIG. 23 also illustrates the position of the anvil ( 1050 e ) relative to the staple cartridge ( 942 ) and tissue ( 1092 ) that has a thickness “t”.
- FIGS. 23 and 24 also illustrates the anvil ( 1050 e ) relative to the staple cartridge ( 942 ) and tissue ( 1094 ) that has a thickness “T”.
- the staples ( 983 ) in the thinner tissue ( 1092 ) are more tightly formed than the staples ( 983 ) extending through the thicker tissue ( 1094 ).
- the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) has a distal portion ( 1651 ) that is attached to the top and bottom tension bands ( 1636 , 1638 ) and a proximal portion ( 1652 ) that is adjoined to the distal portion ( 1651 ) by a reduced diameter segment ( 1653 ).
- the proximal portion ( 1652 ) is axially received within an axial passage ( 1722 ) in the distal closure nut ( 1720 ) that is keyed onto or otherwise attached to a proximal closure nut ( 1740 ) to form a closure nut assembly generally designated as ( 1721 ) such that the distal closure nut ( 1720 ) and the proximal closure nut ( 1740 ) may rotate together.
- the distal closure nut ( 1720 ) may further have a distally extending hub portion ( 1724 ) that abuts an inwardly extending retainer flange ( 1667 ) formed inside the handle assembly ( 1660 ).
- Such arrangement permits the distal closure nut ( 1720 ) to freely rotate within the handle assembly ( 1660 ), but is unable to move axially therewithin.
- the proximal end portion ( 1652 ) of the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) is axially received within an axial passage ( 1742 ) within the proximal closure nut ( 1740 ).
- a circumferentially extending groove ( 1744 ) may be provided in the outer surface of the proximal closure nut ( 1740 ) for receiving an inwardly protruding proximal retainer flange ( 1669 ) formed on the proximal end of the handle assembly ( 1660 ).
- Such arrangement serves to permit the proximal closure nut ( 1740 ) to freely rotate relative to the handle assembly ( 1660 ).
- the closure knob assembly ( 1800 ) is attached to the proximal end ( 1741 ) of the proximal closure nut ( 1740 ).
- the proximal end ( 1741 ) of the proximal closure nut ( 1740 ) may be formed with a proximally extending tapered hub portion ( 1746 ) that is adapted to be nonrotatably received in an axial passage ( 1832 ) in a clutch hub portion ( 1830 ).
- the tapered hub portion ( 1746 ) also be formed with a key or spline arrangement to non-rotatably affix the hub portion ( 1746 ) with the clutch hub portion ( 1830 ).
- the knob assembly ( 1800 ) may further include a proximal cap portion ( 1810 ) and a distal cap portion ( 1820 ).
- the proximal end ( 1831 ) of the clutch hub portion may be received in a circular slot ( 1814 ) formed in a distal end of the proximal cap portion ( 1810 ).
- the slot ( 1814 ) may be sized to permit the proximal cap portion ( 1810 ) to rotate about the proximal end ( 1831 ) of the clutch hub portion ( 1830 ).
- the proximal cap portion ( 1810 ) may have a protrusion ( 1812 ) that rotatably extends into the axial passage ( 1832 ) in the clutch hub portion ( 1830 ).
- the closure knob assembly ( 1800 ) may comprise a distal cap portion ( 1820 ) that is rigidly and non-rotatably coupled to the proximal cap portion ( 1810 ).
- the closure knob assembly ( 1800 ) may be fabricated in multiple parts for ease of assembly of various components of the instrument.
- the mating ends of the proximal cap portion ( 1810 ) and distal cap portion ( 1820 ) may be configured with complementary flanged portions ( 1813 , 1823 ), respectively as shown in FIGS. 25 and 27 , that are interconnected by adhesive, welding, etc. or other fastener arrangements may be employed.
- the proximal cap portion ( 1810 ) and the distal cap portion ( 1820 ) rotate together as a unit.
- various embodiments may comprise a slip clutch assembly generally designated as ( 1821 ).
- the slip clutch assembly ( 1821 ) may take various forms that are supported by or are integrally formed in the adjustment knob assembly ( 1800 ).
- the distal cap portion ( 1820 ) may be provided with an inwardly extending cap flange ( 1824 ) that is in confronting orientation with an outwardly extending clutch flange ( 1834 ) formed on the clutch hub portion ( 1830 ).
- a first friction pad ( 1840 ) is non-rotatably affixed to the inwardly extending cap flange ( 1824 ).
- a pad cavity ( 1836 ) may be formed within the clutch flange ( 1834 ) for movably receiving a second friction pad ( 1850 ) and a wave spring ( 1852 ) therein.
- the second friction pad ( 1850 ) may be provided with splines or keys (not shown) to prevent rotation thereof in the cavity ( 1836 ), but facilitate some axial travel thereof within the cavity ( 1836 ).
- the first and second friction pads ( 1840 , 1850 ) may be fabricated from, for example, liquid crystal polymer, Nylon, ULTEM®, polycarbonate, aluminum, etc.
- the proximal portion ( 1652 ) of the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) has a low pitch thread segment ( 1654 ) formed therein that communicates with a higher pitched threaded segment ( 1657 ).
- a drive pin ( 1726 ) protrudes inwardly into the axial passage ( 1722 ) for “driving” engagement with the threaded segments ( 1654 , 1657 ) in the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ).
- proximal end ( 1652 ) of the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) has a threaded section ( 1658 ) adapted for threaded engagement with a threaded cavity ( 1748 ) in the tapered hub portion ( 1746 ) of the proximal closure nut ( 1740 ).
- the drive pin ( 1726 ) is oriented in the distal closure nut ( 1720 ) such that when the drive pin ( 1726 ) is still engaged with the low pitched distal thread segment ( 1654 ) of the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ), the threaded end ( 1658 ) of the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) has sufficiently threadedly engaged the threaded cavity ( 1748 ) in the tapered hub portion ( 1746 ) of the proximal closure nut ( 1740 ) for threaded travel therein as the closure knob assembly ( 1800 ) is rotated.
- the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) is moved in the distal direction (“DD”) by virtue of the engagement of the drive pin ( 1726 ) with the threaded segments ( 1654 and 1657 ) formed in the attachment rod ( 1650 ).
- DD distal direction
- rotation of the distal closure nut ( 1720 ) when the drive pin ( 1726 ) is engaged with the distal threaded segment ( 1654 ) will result in fastener axial movement of the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) than when the drive rod ( 1726 ) is engaged with the threaded segment ( 1567 ) which has a larger pitch than the threaded segment ( 1564 ).
- Axial movement of the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) moves the top and bottom tension bands ( 1636 , 1638 ), the trocar tip ( 1644 ) and the anvil ( 1700 ) (when attached to the trocar tip ( 1644 ) in the distal (“DD”) direction away from the head ( 1610 ).
- the surgeon begins to turn the closure knob assembly ( 1800 ) in the clockwise (“CW”) direction.
- the frictional forces generated between the first and second friction pads ( 1840 , 1850 ) serves to retain the closure knob assembly ( 1800 ) in frictional engagement with the clutch hub ( 1830 ) which is non-rotatably attached to the proximal closure nut ( 1740 ). Because the proximal closure nut ( 1740 ) is non-rotatably affixed to the distal closure nut ( 1720 ), the distal closure nut ( 1720 ) is also rotated in the clockwise direction.
- Rotation of the distal closure nut ( 1720 ) results in the driving engagement of the drive pin ( 1726 ) with either of the thread segments ( 1654 , 1657 ) (depending upon the position of the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) relative thereto) and causes the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) to be drawn in the proximal direction (“PD”).
- the threaded end ( 1658 ) of the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) threadably engages the threaded cavity ( 1748 ) of the tapered threaded hub portion ( 1746 ) of the proximal closure nut ( 1740 ) and reduced diameter segment ( 1653 ) moves adjacent to the drive pin such that the drive pin is no longer in driving engagement with the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ).
- the threaded end ( 1652 ) is in full threaded engagement with the threaded hole ( 1748 ) in the proximal closure nut ( 1740 ).
- the composition of the first and second friction pads ( 1840 , 1850 ) and the size of the spring ( 1852 ) are selected such that when a predetermined amount of tissue compression is attained, the friction pads ( 1840 , 1850 ) begin to slip to prevent further rotation of the closure knob assembly ( 1800 ) from being transferred to the clutch hub ( 1830 ).
- the friction pads ( 1840 , 1850 ) begin to slip to prevent further rotation of the closure knob assembly ( 1800 ) from being transferred to the clutch hub ( 1830 ).
- the instrument may be constructed such that the maximum amount of compression forces that may be applied to the tissue between the anvil ( 1700 ) and the cartridge ( 1616 ) may be approximately 150 pounds per square inch.
- the first and second friction pads ( 1840 , 1850 ) and the wave spring ( 1852 ) may be so configured to permit slippage between the first and second friction pads ( 1840 , 1850 ) if the closure knob assembly ( 1800 ) continues to be rotated after that maximum amount of compression force has been attained.
- the rotation of the closure knob assembly ( 1800 ) may generate an approximate amount of torque of, for example, 15 inch pounds which overcomes the frictional forces that are established when the maximum amount of desirable compression has been attained (which serves to retain the first and second friction pads ( 1840 , 1850 ) in frictional engagement with each other) and permit the desired slippage between the first and second friction pads.
- a series of circumferentially extending ratchet teeth ( 1816 ) may be formed in the interior of the closure knob assembly ( 1800 ) for engagement with circumferentially extending engagement teeth ( 1835 ) formed on the circumference of the clutch flange ( 1834 ). See FIGS. 27 and 28 .
- the teeth ( 1816 , 1835 ) may be configured such that when the closure knob assembly ( 1800 ) is rotated in the clockwise direction to move the anvil ( 1700 ) toward the cartridge ( 1616 ), the teeth ( 1816 ) on the closure knob assembly ( 1800 ) slip over the teeth ( 1835 ) formed on the clutch flange ( 1834 ). However, when the closure knob assembly ( 1800 ) is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the teeth ( 1816 ) engage teeth ( 1845 ) on the clutch flange ( 1834 ) to cause the clutch hub ( 1830 ) and the proximal and distal closure nuts ( 1720 , 1740 ) to rotate therewith to move the anvil ( 1700 ) away from the cartridge ( 1616 ).
- a safety yoke ( 1670 ) that prevents actuation of the trigger assembly ( 1664 ) when the safety yoke ( 1670 ) is in a “safe” or engaged position.
- a safety spring ( 1686 ) may be journaled on the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) and be received on the hub portion ( 1724 ) of the distal closure nut ( 1720 ). The spring ( 1686 ) may be oriented between the distal closure nut ( 1720 ) and an upstanding end wall portion ( 1688 ) of the safety release ( 1684 ). See FIG. 25 .
- the safety spring ( 1686 ) serves to bias the safety release ( 1684 ) in the distal direction and into contact with the safety yoke ( 1670 ) to prevent the safety yoke from being pivoted to an off position wherein the trigger ( 1664 ) may be actuated.
- a rod clip ( 1690 ) may be attached to the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) by and adjusting screw ( 1692 ) that extends through a slot (not shown) in the rod clip ( 1690 ).
- the rod clip ( 1690 ) may be so located on the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) such that when the adjustment shaft ( 1650 ) has been axially positioned in its most proximal position which results in the maximum amount of desirable compression being applied to the tissue or in a position wherein the anvil ( 1700 ) has begun to clamp the tissue, but has not yet attained the predetermined maximum amount of compression force, the rod clip ( 1690 ) has contacted the upstanding end wall ( 1688 ) and moved it proximally a sufficient distance to move the distal end ( 1685 ) of the safety release ( 1684 ) out of retaining engagement with the safety yoke ( 1670 ). The surgeon may then pivot the safety yoke ( 1670 ) to the off position thereby enabling the trigger ( 1664 ) to be depressed.
- the amount of spring load (“L 1 ”) necessary to attain a minimum amount of tissue compression (“Min”) may be determined as well as the amount of spring load “(L 2 ”) required to attain a maximum amount of tissue compression (“Max”) may also be determined.
- the distance “D 1 ” that the proximal cap portion must be rotated from the neutral position to generate spring load L 1 and the distance “D 2 ” that the proximal cap portion must be rotated to generate spring load “L 2 ” may be determined.
- the graph depicted in FIG. 29 illustrates an example of a relationship between these parameters. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such relationships may change depending upon the spring used and various other factors such as, for example, frictional forces encountered by the moving components of the device.
- an exemplary first tilting anvil ( 740 ) includes anvil head ( 748 ) and a proximal shaft ( 742 ) extending proximally from anvil head ( 748 ).
- Proximal shaft ( 742 ) is attachable to trocar ( 38 ) in a manner as described above with respect to proximal shaft ( 42 ) or as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- Proximal shaft ( 742 ) comprises a flexible material, a rigid material, or any suitable material as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- Anvil head ( 748 ) is similar to anvil head ( 48 ), described above, and includes a plurality of staple forming pockets (not shown) formed in a proximal face ( 750 ) of anvil head ( 748 ).
- Anvil head ( 748 ) operates with staples ( 66 ) in a similar manner as described above for anvil head ( 48 ).
- Anvil head ( 748 ) is linked to proximal shaft ( 742 ).
- Proximal shaft ( 742 ) includes link ( 754 ) and shaft portion ( 756 ).
- Link ( 754 ) and shaft portion ( 756 ) are linked together via linking pivot ( 758 ).
- Link ( 754 ) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of linking pivot ( 758 ).
- Anvil head ( 748 ) is linked to link ( 754 ) via head pivot ( 752 ).
- Anvil head ( 748 ) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of head pivot ( 752 ) in the direction of arrow (A), as shown in FIG. 30B .
- Link ( 754 ) of proximal shaft ( 742 ) is rotatable about linking pivot ( 758 ) in the direction of arrow (B), as shown in FIG. 30C .
- Head pivot ( 752 ), and other pivots of the present disclosure may be comprised of, for example, pins received through channels or other suitable structures as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- driver rod ( 753 ) is disposed and translatable within proximal shaft ( 742 ).
- driver rod ( 753 ) engages an off-center point of proximal face ( 750 ) of anvil ( 740 ) with sufficient force to tilt anvil head ( 748 ) about head pivot ( 752 ) in the direction of arrow (A).
- Driver rod ( 753 ) keeps anvil head ( 748 ) in the tilted position while driver rod ( 753 ) is in the distal position.
- driver rod ( 753 ) is retracted proximally before link ( 754 ) rotates about linking pivot ( 758 ) as shown in FIG.
- driver rod ( 753 ) stays in the distal position when link ( 754 ) rotates about linking pivot ( 758 ). It should therefore be understood that driver rod ( 753 ) may either proximally terminate distal to linking pivot ( 758 ); or driver rod may flex through linking pivot ( 758 ).
- driver rod ( 753 ) is based on the position of anvil ( 740 ) in relation to stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- driver rod ( 753 ) may be configured to remain in the distal position whenever anvil ( 740 ) is decoupled from trocar ( 38 ) of stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- driver rod ( 753 ) may automatically retract proximally upon coupling anvil ( 740 ) with trocar ( 38 ).
- driver rod ( 753 ) may be configured to remain in the distal position even after anvil ( 740 ) is coupled with trocar ( 38 ), when anvil ( 740 ) is still spaced significantly from stapling head assembly ( 20 ) (e.g., before anvil ( 740 ) is drawn toward stapling head assembly ( 20 ) by trocar ( 38 ) to clamp tissue between anvil ( 740 ) and stapling head assembly ( 20 ), etc.).
- a feature in anvil ( 740 ) and/or a feature in stapling head assembly ( 20 ) may be configured to retract driver rod ( 753 ) proximally, thereby allowing anvil head ( 748 ) to pivot to the position shown in FIG.
- a camming feature of proximal shaft ( 742 ) may interact with a complementary feature of stapling head assembly ( 20 ) when proximal shaft ( 742 ) is retracted to a certain position within stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- a separate actuator may extend along shaft assembly ( 60 ) to actuator handle assembly ( 70 ), enabling the operator to selectively advance/retract driver rod ( 753 ) independently.
- driver rod ( 753 ) may be integral with shaft portion ( 756 ), and the combination of driver rod ( 753 ) and shaft portion ( 756 ) may selectively slide relative to link ( 754 ) and pivot ( 758 ) to selectively advance/retract driver rod ( 753 ).
- an electromechanical feature e.g., solenoid, etc.
- driver rod ( 753 ) may be actuated in an automated fashion or in a manual/independent fashion.
- Other suitable ways in which driver rod ( 753 ) may be actuated will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- anvil ( 740 ) is inserted into an interior lumen of tissue ( 2 ) in an anvil inserting direction.
- anvil ( 740 ) may be inserted trans-orally into esophagus ( 4 ) of a patient.
- a portion of esophagus ( 4 ) may be resected and removed (e.g., using an endocutter type of linear cutting/stapling device), resulting in separation of upper esophagus ( 4 A) from lower esophagus ( 4 B).
- Anvil ( 740 ) may be fed down upper esophagus ( 4 A) until it reaches the bottom end of upper esophagus ( 4 A), where instrument ( 10 ) may be used to join upper esophagus ( 4 A) and lower esophagus ( 4 B) through an end-to-end anastomosis ( 6 ).
- Anvil ( 740 ) may be in positions shown in FIG. 30B or 30C while being inserted, for example, and prior to shaft portion ( 756 ) being secured to a trocar of a stapling head assembly, such as in the manner described above to attach anvil ( 40 ) to trocar ( 38 ) and stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- conventional surgical graspers are inserted through esophagus ( 4 ) to grasp shaft portion ( 756 ) and thereby pull anvil ( 740 ) to the anastomosis site via upper esophagus ( 4 A).
- Anvil ( 740 ) may be straightened into a position as shown in FIG. 30A prior to interacting with stapling head assembly ( 20 ) as described above.
- Stapling head assembly ( 20 ) is advanced toward anvil ( 740 ) through lower esophagus ( 4 B) in a stapling direction that is opposite the anvil inserting direction.
- Shaft portion ( 756 ) is then coupled with trocar ( 38 ).
- the force deployed by the firing and stapling system as described above may straighten anvil ( 740 ) and shaft portion ( 756 ) into the position shown in FIG. 30A (for example, when instrument ( 10 ) clamps tissue between stapling head assembly ( 20 ) and anvil head ( 748 )).
- FIG. 30A shows a position after which anvil ( 740 ) has been used to staple tissue ( 2 ) with staples ( 66 ), and after which knife ( 36 ) has severed tissue, thereby creating a secure anastomosis ( 6 ).
- driver rod ( 753 ) is distally advanced, causing anvil head ( 748 ) to pivot about head pivot ( 752 ) in the direction of arrow (A) shown in FIG. 30B .
- driver rod ( 753 ) assists to maintain anvil head ( 748 ) in the first flipped or tilted position shown in FIG. 30B in a manner as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- driver rod ( 753 ) may contain a laterally offset portion (not shown) that abuts against proximal face ( 750 ) when driver rod ( 753 ) is in the extended position. The laterally offset portion thus prevents anvil head ( 748 ) from rotating back to the position of anvil head ( 748 ) shown in FIG. 30A .
- Shaft portion ( 756 ) is proximally retracted along the direction of arrow (C) to retract anvil ( 740 ) through the lumen defined by tissue ( 2 ) (such as the esophagus ( 4 )).
- Load on anvil head ( 748 ) from this retraction may provide the pivoting at linking pivot ( 758 ).
- anvil head ( 748 ) may abut inner surface walls of tissue ( 2 ), causing link ( 754 ) to pivot about linking pivot ( 758 ) at angles of from about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees with respect to shaft portion ( 756 ) as anvil ( 740 ) is retracted proximally.
- anvil head ( 748 ) is pivoted about head pivot ( 752 ) such that anvil head ( 748 ) may be retracted within an internal passageway of tissue ( 2 ) with minimal interaction with the inner surface walls of tissue ( 2 ).
- the above-described tilting and pivoting may prevent the outer edge of anvil head ( 748 ) from scraping against the inner wall of esophagus as anvil ( 740 ) is transported through esophagus.
- link ( 754 ) is tilted with respect to shaft portion ( 756 ) and anvil head ( 748 ) is tilted with respect to link ( 754 ) into a retraction position.
- a plane of anvil head ( 748 ) depicted as plane (PP) in FIG. 30C defines an acute angle with longitudinal axis (LLA) of shaft portion ( 756 ) of proximal shaft ( 742 ), with vertex (VV) of the angle being positioned lower than head pivot ( 752 ).
- LLA longitudinal axis
- VV vertex
- a retraction of anvil ( 740 ) in the direction of arrow (C) substantially avoids snagging a lowermost portion of anvil head ( 748 ), disposed closest to linking pivot ( 758 ), with an interior surface of tissue ( 2 ), and particularly with edges of anastomosis ( 6 ) that are shown as stapled together via staples ( 66 ).
- Driver rod ( 753 ) may remain extended during retraction of anvil ( 740 ) as described above.
- anvil head ( 748 ) may be lockable at either the position shown in FIG. 30B or the position shown in FIG. 30C to ease extraction of anvil head ( 748 ) from anastomosis ( 6 ) to reduce anastomosis trauma during the retraction of anvil ( 740 ).
- an internal projection in link ( 754 ) may be received in an internal notch in shaft portion ( 756 ) laterally offset from linking pivot ( 758 ) and disposed at a location to lock link ( 754 ) at a desired tilting angle with respect to shaft portion ( 756 ).
- shaft portion ( 756 ) may selectively slide relative to link ( 754 ) and pivot ( 758 ) to selectively lock the tilted angle of link ( 754 ) at pivot ( 758 ).
- anvil head ( 748 ) is resiliently biased to tilt to the position shown in FIGS. 30B and 30C .
- driver rod ( 753 ) may be omitted (or still be included).
- link ( 754 ) may be resiliently biased to tilt to the position shown in FIG. 30C .
- link ( 754 ) and anvil head ( 748 ) may eventually tilt to the positions shown in FIG.
- anvil ( 740 ) is coupled with trocar ( 38 ) and anvil ( 740 ) is retracted toward stapling head assembly ( 20 ).
- the internal axial passageway within stapling head assembly ( 20 ) may straighten link ( 754 ) and the distal face of stapling head assembly ( 20 ) may straighten anvil head ( 748 ).
- Other suitable ways in which an anvil may include a multi-pivot shaft will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- FIGS. 31-32 show an exemplary second tilting anvil ( 840 ) including anvil head ( 848 ) and a proximal shaft ( 842 ) extending proximally from anvil head ( 848 ).
- Proximal shaft ( 842 ) is attachable to trocar ( 38 ) in a manner as described above with respect to proximal shaft ( 42 ) or as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- Proximal shaft ( 842 ) comprises a flexible material, a rigid material, or any suitable material as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- Anvil head ( 848 ) is similar to anvil head ( 48 ), described above, and includes a plurality of staple forming pockets (not shown) formed in a proximal face ( 850 ) of anvil head ( 848 ).
- Anvil head ( 848 ) operates with staples ( 66 ) in a similar manner as described above for anvil head ( 48 ).
- Anvil head ( 848 ) includes linking connector ( 851 ), which connects anvil head ( 848 ) to proximal shaft ( 842 ).
- Anvil head ( 848 ) is linked to proximal shaft ( 842 ) via off-set head pivot ( 852 ).
- Anvil head ( 848 ) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of head pivot ( 852 ) in the direction of arrow (D), as shown in FIG. 32 .
- Driver rod ( 853 ) is disposed and translatable within proximal shaft ( 842 ) in a manner similar to that described for driver rod ( 753 ).
- Proximal shaft ( 842 ) includes a first portion ( 854 ) in which driver rod ( 853 ) is disposed and a second portion ( 856 ) extending laterally from a distal end of first portion ( 854 ) of proximal shaft ( 842 ).
- Head pivot ( 852 ) is disposed in second portion ( 856 ) and is off-set from the longitudinal axis of first portion ( 854 ).
- Head pivot ( 852 ) connects linking connector ( 851 ) of anvil head ( 848 ) to second portion ( 856 ) of proximal shaft ( 842 ), such that linking connector ( 851 ) and anvil head ( 848 ) are rotatable relative to second portion ( 856 ) about a longitudinal axis of head pivot ( 852 ).
- anvil ( 840 ) is inserted into an interior lumen of tissue ( 2 ) (e.g., upper esophagus ( 4 A), etc.) in an anvil inserting direction in a manner similar to that described above for anvil ( 740 ).
- Anvil ( 840 ) may be in a position shown in FIG. 32 while being inserted, for example.
- proximal shaft ( 842 ) is coupled with trocar ( 38 )
- the clamping of tissue between stapling head assembly ( 20 ) and anvil ( 340 ) will straighten anvil ( 840 ) before a firing actuation as described above.
- FIG. 31 shows a position after which anvil ( 840 ) has been used to staple interior surfaces of a lumen of tissue ( 2 ) with staples ( 66 ) to create anastomosis ( 6 ).
- driver rod ( 853 ) is distally advanced, causing anvil head ( 848 ) to pivot about head pivot ( 852 ) in the direction of arrow (D) shown in FIG. 32 .
- Driver rod ( 853 ) may remain advanced to assist in maintaining anvil head ( 748 ) in the tilted position shown in FIG. 32 .
- second portion ( 856 ) is laterally off-set from first portion ( 854 )
- anvil head ( 848 ) is able to rotate about head pivot ( 852 ) into a position in which anvil head ( 848 ) is at an obtuse angle with respect to a starting position of anvil head ( 848 ).
- anvil head ( 848 ) rotates more than 90 degrees with respect to proximal shaft ( 842 ) in the present example.
- a plane of anvil head ( 848 ) depicted as plane (P) in FIG. 32 defines an acute angle with longitudinal axis (LA) of proximal shaft ( 842 ), with the vertex (V) of the angle being at a position that is lower than head pivot ( 852 ).
- LA longitudinal axis
- V vertex of the angle being at a position that is lower than head pivot ( 852 ).
- a proximal end of anvil head ( 848 ) is disposed below second portion ( 856 ) and between ends of second portion ( 856 ) and first portion ( 854 ) of proximal shaft ( 842 ).
- Anvil head ( 848 ) may be lockable at the obliquely angled position of FIG. 32 to ease extraction of anvil head ( 848 ) from anastomosis ( 6 ) in a manner similar to that described above to lock anvil head ( 748 ) as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- a projection on an interior surface of linking connector ( 851 ) may advance until receipt in a complementary notch disposed in an interior surface of second portion ( 856 ).
- a laterally projecting portion of drive rod ( 853 ) may be received into a notch disposed in an underside of linking connector ( 851 ).
- drive rod ( 853 ) may be selectively locked in the distal position shown in FIG. 32 (or at least resiliently biased to the distal position shown in FIG. 32 ) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- First portion ( 854 ) is proximally retracted downwardly through esophagus ( 4 ) to retract anvil ( 840 ) from esophagus ( 4 ) in a manner as described above.
- Load on anvil head ( 848 ) from this retraction may cause proximal shaft ( 842 ) to tilt in a direction opposite arrow (D) while within esophagus ( 4 ), such that longitudinal axis (LA) of proximal shaft ( 842 ) is tilted relative to the axis of esophagus ( 4 ).
- anvil head ( 848 ) may be retracted downwardly esophagus ( 4 ) with minimal interaction between the outer edge of anvil head ( 848 ) and the inner surface walls of esophagus ( 4 ).
- the above-described tilting and pivoting may prevent the outer edge of anvil head ( 848 ) from scraping against the inner wall of esophagus as anvil ( 840 ) is transported through esophagus.
- FIGS. 33-40 show various features that are used to drive stapling head assembly ( 440 ) of the present example.
- these features include a first rotary drive element ( 450 ), a second rotary drive element ( 460 ), a drive nut ( 470 ), and a clamping driver ( 480 ).
- These components 450 , 460 , 470 , 480 ) are coaxially aligned with drive shaft ( 432 ) and are all housed within a cartridge housing ( 600 ), which will be described in greater detail below.
- stapling head assembly ( 440 ) includes staple deck ( 442 ), a staple driver ( 443 ), and a cylindraceous knife ( 445 ).
- Staple driver ( 443 ) is operable to translate distally to drive staples (not shown) through openings in staple deck ( 442 ) and into staple forming pockets of proximal face ( 496 ) of anvil ( 490 ).
- Knife ( 445 ) translates distally with staple driver ( 443 ), thereby cutting tissue at substantially the same time that the adjacent tissue is being stapled.
- first rotary drive element ( 450 ) defines a bore ( 452 ) and includes a proximal set of inner splines ( 454 ).
- the diameter of bore ( 452 ) increases distal to inner splines ( 454 ), such that first rotary drive element ( 450 ) includes a distally facing annular shoulder ( 456 ).
- First rotary drive element ( 450 ) also includes a threaded opening ( 458 ) that extends transversely from the exterior of first rotary drive element ( 450 ) into bore ( 452 ). As shown in FIG.
- the distal end of drive shaft ( 432 ) includes a set of outer splines ( 434 ) that complement inner splines ( 454 ) of first rotary drive element ( 450 ).
- splines ( 434 , 454 ) are at a common longitudinal position, rotation of drive shaft ( 432 ) rotates first rotary drive element ( 450 ).
- splines ( 434 , 454 ) are at a common longitudinal position when drive shaft ( 432 ) is in a proximal position.
- splines ( 434 , 435 ) disengage such that rotation of drive shaft ( 432 ) will not rotate first rotary drive element ( 450 ).
- splines ( 434 , 454 ) have complementary tapered ends to promote positioning of splines ( 434 ) in the interstices between splines ( 454 ) when drive shaft ( 432 ) is translated back from the distal position to the proximal position.
- second rotary drive element ( 460 ) of the present example defines an inner bore ( 462 ), includes outer threading ( 464 ) at its distal end, and includes a necked-down proximal portion ( 466 ).
- a threaded opening ( 468 ) extends transversely from the exterior of second rotary drive element ( 460 ) into bore ( 462 ).
- Proximal portion ( 466 ) is configured to slidably fit within bore ( 462 ) of first rotary drive element ( 450 ).
- threaded openings ( 458 , 468 ) align with each other when proximal portion ( 466 ) is disposed in bore ( 452 ), and a set screw is secured in threaded openings ( 458 , 468 ) to secure first and second rotary drive elements ( 450 , 460 ) together.
- First and second rotary drive elements ( 450 , 460 ) will thus rotate together unitarily.
- drive nut ( 470 ) of the present example defines an inner bore ( 472 ), includes an inner threading ( 474 ), and includes an outer keyway ( 476 ).
- Bore ( 472 ) is configured to receive the distal end of second rotary drive element ( 460 ).
- threading ( 464 ) meshes with threading ( 474 ).
- Outer keyway ( 476 ) receives a key ( 606 ) that extends inwardly from cartridge housing ( 600 ) (as shown in FIG. 33 ).
- Staple driver ( 443 ) and knife ( 445 ) are fixedly secured to drive nut ( 470 ) in this example, such that staple driver ( 443 ) and knife ( 445 ) translate unitarily with drive nut ( 470 ) relative to staple deck ( 442 ) and relative to cartridge housing ( 600 ). It should therefore be understood that, when drive shaft ( 432 ) is at a proximal position and is rotated, such rotation will drive staple driver ( 443 ) and knife ( 445 ) distally or proximally relative to staple deck ( 442 ) and relative to cartridge housing ( 600 ), depending on the direction of rotation.
- clamping driver ( 480 ) of the present example comprises a shaft ( 482 ) with threading ( 484 ) at the distal end of shaft ( 482 ).
- Clamping driver ( 480 ) also includes a proximal drive feature ( 486 ), an annular flange ( 488 ), and a thrust bearing ( 489 ) that is positioned about shaft ( 482 ) and distal to annular flange ( 488 ).
- shaft ( 482 ) extends longitudinally through bores ( 452 , 462 , 472 ) to reach trocar ( 444 ).
- the proximal end of trocar ( 444 ) includes a threaded opening ( 446 ).
- Threaded opening ( 446 ) is configured to receive the distal end of shaft ( 482 ), thereby meshing with threading ( 484 ).
- Trocar ( 444 ) is operable to translate relative to cartridge housing ( 600 ) but not rotate relative to cartridge housing ( 600 ).
- trocar ( 444 ) will translate relative to cartridge housing ( 600 ) in response to rotation of clamping driver ( 480 ) relative to cartridge housing ( 600 ), due to interaction between threading ( 484 ) and threaded opening ( 446 ).
- flange ( 488 ) and thrust bearing ( 489 ) are captured between shoulder ( 456 ) of first rotary drive element ( 450 ) and the proximal end ( 466 ) of second rotary drive element ( 460 ), such that rotary drive elements ( 450 , 460 ) prevent clamping driver ( 480 ) from moving longitudinally.
- Proximal drive feature ( 486 ) has a hexagonal cross-section in this example, and is thus configured to complement a hexagonal recess ( 436 ) formed at the distal end of drive shaft ( 432 ) as shown in FIG. 34 . While hexagonal shapes are used in the present example, it should be understood that any other suitable shape may be used, including but not limited to rectangular, semicircular, triangular, elliptical, etc.
- drive shaft ( 432 ) is at the distal position (e.g., when control ring ( 416 ) is in the distal position)
- proximal drive feature ( 486 ) is received in hexagonal recess ( 436 ), such that rotation of drive shaft ( 432 ) rotates clamping driver ( 480 ).
- proximal drive feature ( 486 ) is disengaged from hexagonal recess ( 436 ), such that rotation of drive shaft ( 432 ) does not rotate clamping driver ( 480 ).
- drive shaft ( 432 ) when drive shaft ( 432 ) is at the distal position, rotation of drive shaft ( 432 ) will rotate clamping driver ( 480 ) but not rotary drive elements ( 450 , 460 ).
- drive shaft ( 432 ) When drive shaft ( 432 ) is in the proximal position, rotation of drive shaft ( 432 ) will rotate rotary drive elements ( 450 , 460 ) but not clamping driver ( 480 ).
- drive shaft ( 432 ) may be rotated and translated in a particular sequence to provide clamping, cutting, and stapling of tissue. An example of such a sequence is shown in FIGS. 41A-41D .
- FIG. 41A shows anvil ( 490 ) coupled with trocar ( 444 ) and drive shaft ( 432 ) in the distal position.
- control ring ( 416 ) is also in the distal position at this stage.
- Head ( 492 ) of anvil ( 490 ) is positioned in a first lumen defined by tissue ( 2 ), with shaft ( 494 ) of anvil ( 490 ) protruding from lumen.
- a suture is used to secure tissue ( 2 ) about shaft ( 494 ) in a purse-string fashion.
- tissue ( 2 ) defines an upper section of a gastrointestinal tract, such as an upper colon portion or an upper esophagus portion.
- anvil ( 490 ) may travel proximally through lumen before being coupled with trocar ( 444 ).
- Stapling head assembly ( 440 ) is positioned within a second lumen defined by tissue ( 2 ).
- a suture is used to secure tissue ( 2 ) about trocar ( 444 ) in a purse-string fashion.
- tissue ( 2 ) defines a lower section of a gastrointestinal tract, such as a lower colon portion or a lower esophagus portion. It should be understood that stapling head assembly ( 440 ) may travel distally through lumen before being coupled with anvil ( 490 ).
- motor ( 422 ) may be activated to rotate drive shaft ( 432 ).
- control knob ( 414 ) may be manually rotated to rotate drive shaft ( 432 ).
- drive shaft ( 432 ) being in the distal position, drive feature ( 486 ) of clamping driver ( 480 ) is seated in recess ( 436 ) of drive shaft ( 432 ), such that rotation of drive shaft ( 432 ) rotates clamping driver ( 480 ).
- This rotation retracts trocar ( 444 ) and anvil ( 490 ) proximally relative to stapling head assembly ( 440 ) as shown in FIG. 41B .
- This retraction provides clamping of tissue ( 2 ) between proximal face ( 496 ) of anvil head ( 492 ) and staple deck ( 442 ).
- Drive shaft ( 432 ) may be rotated until the desired gap between proximal face ( 496 ) and staple deck ( 442 ) is achieved.
- the gap may be indicated to the user in numerous ways.
- stapling instrument ( 400 ) may include an equivalent of indicator window as described above.
- an encoder or other feature may track rotation of drive shaft ( 432 ) and a control module may read such data and accordingly drive an LED display or other type of electronic display to indicate the gap distance to the user.
- a control module may read such data and accordingly drive an LED display or other type of electronic display to indicate the gap distance to the user.
- the user may translate drive shaft ( 432 ) proximally as shown in FIG. 41C . This may be done by translating control ring ( 416 ) proximally or in any other suitable fashion.
- drive shaft ( 432 ) translates proximally ( 432 )
- recess ( 436 ) disengages drive feature ( 486 ) and splines ( 434 ) engage splines ( 454 ).
- the translation of drive shaft ( 432 ) from the distal position to the proximal position thus shifts stapling head assembly ( 440 ) from a tissue clamping mode to a tissue cutting/stapling mode.
- stapling head assembly ( 440 ) is configured such that translating drive shaft from the distal position to the proximal position shifts stapling head assembly ( 440 ) from a tissue cutting/stapling mode to a tissue clamping mode; and vice-versa.
- drive shaft ( 432 ) may again be rotated. Again, this may be accomplished by activating motor ( 422 ); or by rotating control knob ( 414 ) manually if handle assembly ( 410 ) is in manual operation mode. In some instances, an operator may prefer to use handle assembly ( 410 ) in manual operation mode during tissue clamping ( FIGS. 41A-41B ), and then use handle assembly ( 410 ) in motorized mode during tissue cutting/stapling ( FIGS. 41C-41D ); or vice versa.
- drive shaft ( 432 ) when drive shaft ( 432 ) is rotated during tissue cutting/stapling mode, this rotation is communicated through rotary drive elements ( 450 , 460 ).
- the rotation of rotary drive elements ( 450 , 460 ) drives drive nut ( 470 ) distally as shown in FIG. 41D , due to engagement between threading ( 464 , 474 ).
- This distal advancement of drive nut ( 470 ) advances staple driver ( 443 ), and knife ( 445 ) distally, thereby cutting and stapling tissue ( 2 ).
- An encoder, force sensor, timer, and/or any other suitable feature may be used determine when to stop motor ( 422 ) automatically upon sufficient advancement of drive nut ( 470 ), staple driver ( 443 ), and knife ( 445 ).
- drive shaft ( 432 ) may be advanced distally again to engage clamping driver ( 480 ), then rotated in the opposite direction to drive anvil ( 490 ) slightly away from stapling head assembly ( 440 ).
- stapling instrument ( 400 ) may then be withdrawn proximally through lumen ( 2 ), leaving a secure and fluid tight anastomosis joining lumens together.
- Other suitable ways in which stapling instrument ( 400 ) may be used will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- FIGS. 42A-43 show exemplary features that are incorporated into stapling head assembly ( 440 ) and shaft assembly ( 430 ) of the present example to enable removal of stapling head assembly ( 440 ) from shaft assembly ( 430 ).
- FIGS. 42A-43 show stapling head assembly ( 440 ) being provided in a cartridge housing ( 600 ) that is removable from the distal end of shaft assembly ( 430 ).
- Cartridge housing ( 600 ) includes a first locking features, such as a pair of outwardly extending tabs ( 602 ) that are positioned at the free ends of respective resilient arms ( 604 ).
- the distal end of shaft assembly ( 430 ) presents a socket ( 437 ) that receives cartridge housing ( 600 ).
- Socket ( 437 ) includes a pair of lateral openings ( 431 ) that correspond with tabs ( 602 ) of cartridge housing ( 602 ).
- resilient arms ( 604 ) are configured to resiliently bias tabs ( 602 ) into openings ( 431 ) when cartridge housing ( 600 ) is fully seated in socket ( 437 ), thereby locking cartridge housing ( 600 ) in place relative to shaft assembly ( 430 ).
- the distal end of drive shaft ( 432 ) is positioned within socket ( 437 ), such that the distal end of drive shaft ( 432 ) will enter bore ( 452 ) of first rotary drive element ( 450 ) when cartridge housing ( 600 ) is fully seated in socket ( 437 ).
- a user may depress both tabs ( 602 ) inwardly to decouple tabs ( 602 ) from openings ( 431 ). While holding tabs ( 602 ) in these depressed positions, the user may then pull cartridge housing ( 600 ) distally away from shaft assembly ( 430 ) as shown in the transition from FIG. 42A to FIG. 42B . At some point thereafter, another cartridge housing ( 600 ) may be inserted into socket ( 437 ). In some instances, this may be performed during a single surgical procedure.
- the operator may withdraw stapling head assembly from the surgical site and re-load shaft assembly ( 430 ) with another stapling head assembly ( 440 ) to try completing the anastomosis again with the same stapling instrument ( 400 ).
- the operator would thus avoid the need to dispose of the entire stapling instrument ( 400 ) and use a completely new stapling instrument ( 400 ).
- stapling instrument ( 400 ) may be provided as a partially reusable device. For instance, after being used in a surgical procedure, a nurse or other personnel may remove stapling head assembly ( 440 ) from shaft assembly ( 430 ) and dispose of the used stapling head assembly ( 440 ). The rest of stapling instrument ( 400 ) may then be sent to a sterilization process or other reclamation process. In instances where stapling instrument ( 400 ) includes a power source ( 420 ), motor ( 422 ), and/or other electronic components, such components may be removed for separate processing while the remainder of shaft assembly ( 430 ) and handle assembly ( 410 ) are sterilized in any suitable fashion.
- the previously used shaft assembly ( 430 ) and handle assembly ( 410 ) may be combined with a new stapling head assembly ( 440 ) for use in another surgical procedure.
- a new stapling head assembly ( 440 ) for use in another surgical procedure.
- stapling head assembly ( 440 ) in the present example is merely optional.
- Other suitable ways in which at least part of stapling head assembly ( 440 ) may be provided in a cartridge or modular form will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should also be understood that some versions of stapling head assembly ( 440 ) may simply be unitary with shaft assembly ( 430 ), such that stapling head assembly ( 440 ) may not be removed from shaft assembly ( 430 ).
- stapling instrument ( 400 ) may be configured for a single use only, such that the entire stapling instrument ( 400 ), including stapling head assembly ( 440 ), is disposed of after a single use.
- stapling head assembly ( 440 ) may be configured for a single use only, such that the entire stapling instrument ( 400 ), including stapling head assembly ( 440 ), is disposed of after a single use.
- Other suitable variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- Versions of the devices described above may have application in conventional medical treatments and procedures conducted by a medical professional, as well as application in robotic-assisted medical treatments and procedures.
- various teachings herein may be readily incorporated into a robotic surgical system such as the DAVINCITM system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif.
- DAVINCITM system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif.
- teachings herein may be readily combined with various teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,524, entitled “Robotic Surgical Tool with Ultrasound Cauterizing and Cutting Instrument,” issued Aug. 31, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
- Versions described above may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. Versions may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, some versions of the device may be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, some versions of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a user immediately prior to a procedure.
- reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.
- versions described herein may be sterilized before and/or after a procedure.
- the device is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag.
- the container and device may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons.
- the radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container.
- the sterilized device may then be stored in the sterile container for later use.
- a device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/268,684, filed Sep. 19, 2016, entitled “Powered Surgical Circular Stapler” which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/716,308, filed Dec. 17, 2012, entitled “Circular Stapler with Selectable Motorized and Manual Control,” issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,445,816 on Sep. 20, 2016.
- In some settings, a surgeon may want to position a surgical instrument through an orifice of the patient and use the instrument to adjust, position, attach, and/or otherwise interact with tissue within the patient. For instance, in some surgical procedures, portions of the gastrointestinal tract may be cut and removed to eliminate undesirable tissue or for other reasons. Once the desired tissue is removed, the remaining portions may need to be recoupled together. One such tool for accomplishing these anastomotic procedures is a circular stapler that is inserted through a patient's orifice.
- Examples of circular surgical staplers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,459, entitled “Surgical Anastomosis Stapling Instrument,” issued Apr. 27, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,544, entitled “Surgical Anastomosis Stapling Instrument,” issued Dec. 21, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,322, entitled “Surgical Anastomosis Stapling Instrument,” issued Jan. 4, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,945, entitled “Surgical Anastomosis Stapling Instrument,” issued Feb. 15, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,053, entitled “Surgical Anastomosis Stapling Instrument,” issued Mar. 8, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,773, entitled “Surgical Anastomosis Stapling Instrument,” issued Aug. 2, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,104, entitled “Surgical Anastomosis Stapling Instrument,” issued Sep. 27, 1994; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,661, entitled “Surgical Anastomosis Stapling Instrument,” issued Jul. 9, 1996. The disclosure of each of the above-cited U.S. patents is incorporated by reference herein. Some such staplers are operable to clamp down on layers of tissue, cut through the clamped layers of tissue, and drive staples through the layers of tissue to substantially seal the severed layers of tissue together near the severed ends of the tissue layers, thereby joining two severed ends of an anatomical lumen.
- Merely additional other exemplary surgical staplers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,823, entitled “Pocket Configuration for Internal Organ Staplers,” issued Feb. 21, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,334, entitled “Surgical Stapler and Staple Cartridge,” issued May 16, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,895, entitled “Surgical Stapler Instrument,” issued Nov. 14, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,107, entitled “Surgical Stapler Instrument,” issued Jan. 28, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,432, entitled “Surgical Instrument,” issued May 27, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,840, entitled “Surgical Instrument,” issued Oct. 7, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,534, entitled “Articulation Assembly for Surgical Instruments,” issued Jan. 6, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,055, entitled “Surgical Clamping Mechanism,” issued Sep. 29, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Incorporating an E-Beam Firing Mechanism,” issued Dec. 27, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having Separate Distinct Closing and Firing Systems,” issued Feb. 21, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,923, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having a Firing Lockout for an Unclosed Anvil,” issued Dec. 5, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,108, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Incorporating a Multi-Stroke Firing Mechanism with a Flexible Rack,” issued Dec. 4, 2007; U.S. Pat. No. 7,367,485, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Incorporating a Multistroke Firing Mechanism Having a Rotary Transmission,” issued May 6, 2008; U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,695, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having a Single Lockout Mechanism for Prevention of Firing,” issued Jun. 3, 2008; U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,696, entitled “Articulating Surgical Stapling Instrument Incorporating a Two-Piece E-Beam Firing Mechanism,” issued Jun. 3, 2008; U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,508, entitled “Surgical Stapling and Cutting Device,” issued Jul. 29, 2008; U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,715, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having Multistroke Firing with Opening Lockout,” issued Oct. 14, 2008; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,930, entitled “Disposable Cartridge with Adhesive for Use with a Stapling Device,” issued May 25, 2010. The disclosure of each of the above-cited U.S. patents is incorporated by reference herein. While the surgical staplers referred to above are described as being used in endoscopic procedures, it should be understood that such surgical staplers may also be used in open procedures and/or other non-endoscopic procedures.
- While various kinds of surgical stapling instruments and associated components have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used the invention described in the appended claims.
- While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim this technology, it is believed this technology will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:
-
FIG. 1 depicts a side elevation view of an exemplary circular stapling surgical instrument; -
FIG. 2A depicts an enlarged longitudinal cross-section view of an exemplary stapling head assembly of the instrument ofFIG. 1 showing an exemplary anvil in an open position; -
FIG. 2B depicts an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the stapling head assembly ofFIG. 2A showing the anvil in a closed position; -
FIG. 2C depicts an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the stapling head assembly ofFIG. 2A showing an exemplary staple driver and blade in a fired position; -
FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary staple formed against the anvil; -
FIG. 4A depicts an enlarged side elevation view of an exemplary actuator handle assembly of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 1 with a portion of the body removed, showing a trigger in an unfired position and a lockout feature in a locked position; -
FIG. 4B depicts an enlarged side elevation view of the actuator handle assembly ofFIG. 4A , showing the trigger in a fired position and the lockout feature in an unlocked position; -
FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged partial perspective view of an exemplary indicator assembly of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 1 showing an indicator window and indicator lever; -
FIG. 6 depicts an diagrammatic view of the indicator window ofFIG. 5 showing an exemplary indicator bar and exemplary corresponding staple representations; -
FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary circular stapling surgical instrument; -
FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of the handle and shaft assemblies of the instrument ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 depicts a cross sectional view of the handle assembly of the instrument ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 10 depicts an enlarged, partial cross sectional view of the motor and battery assemblies ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 11A depicts a side elevational view of an operational mode selection assembly of the instrument ofFIG. 7 , with a first gear disengaged from a second gear; -
FIG. 11B depicts a side elevational view of the operational mode selection assembly ofFIG. 11A , with the first gear engaged with the second gear; -
FIG. 12 depicts a front elevational view of the first gear of the operational mode selection assembly ofFIG. 11A ; -
FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of the second gear of the operational mode selection assembly ofFIG. 11A ; -
FIG. 14 depicts an enlarged, partial perspective view of the handle assembly of the instrument ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 15A depicts a cross sectional view of the instrument ofFIG. 7 , with a motorized operational mode selected, showing an anvil being coupled to a trocar; -
FIG. 15B depicts a cross sectional view of the instrument ofFIG. 7 , with a motorized operational mode selected, in a tissue clamping position; -
FIG. 15C depicts a cross sectional view of the instrument ofFIG. 7 , with a motorized operational mode selected, in a fired position; -
FIG. 16 depicts a cross sectional view of the handle assembly of the instrument ofFIG. 7 showing the manual operational mode being selected; -
FIG. 17A depicts a cross sectional view of the instrument ofFIG. 7 , with a manual operational mode selected, showing an anvil being coupled to a trocar; -
FIG. 17B depicts a cross sectional view of the instrument ofFIG. 7 , with a manual operational mode selected, in a tissue clamping position; -
FIG. 17C depicts a cross sectional view of the instrument ofFIG. 7 , with a manual operational mode selected, in a fired position; -
FIG. 18 depicts a schematic of an exemplary control assembly for use with the instrument ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 19 depicts a partial perspective view of another exemplary operational mode selection assembly; -
FIG. 20 depicts a front view of the operational mode selection assembly ofFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a staple applying assembly of other embodiments of the present invention wherein tissue of varying thickness is clamped therein; -
FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the staple applying assembly ofFIG. 21 ; -
FIG. 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the endocutter depicted clamping a thin piece of tissue; -
FIG. 24 is another enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the endocutter depicted inFIG. 23 clamping a thicker piece of tissue; -
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly and closure knob assembly of various embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the shaft assembly, trigger assembly, staple driver, anvil and closure knob assembly with the handle housing, head casing and outer tubular shroud removed therefrom; -
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a knob assembly embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the knob assembly ofFIG. 27 taken along line 84-84 inFIG. 27 ; -
FIG. 29 is a graph illustrating the relationship between a compression force and resistive load generated by a variable force generator that may be used in connection with various embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 30A depicts a partial, cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary anvil in a first position in which the anvil has interacted with a stapling head assembly to create an anastomosis; -
FIG. 30B depicts a partial, cross-sectional perspective view of the anvil ofFIG. 30A in a second position in which an anvil head of the anvil has been tilted away from a link and an anvil shaft portion; -
FIG. 30C depicts a partial, cross-sectional perspective view of the anvil ofFIG. 7A in a third position in which a link of the anvil shaft is tilted away from the anvil shaft portion; -
FIG. 31 depicts a partial cross-sectional, perspective view of another exemplary anvil in a first position in which the anvil has interacted with a stapling head assembly to create an anastomosis; -
FIG. 32 depicts a partial cross-sectional, perspective view of the anvil ofFIG. 8 in a second position in which an anvil head is tilted about an off-center pivot of an anvil shaft portion of the anvil; -
FIG. 33 depicts a partially exploded view of a surgical instrument, showing components of a stapling head assembly; -
FIG. 34 depicts a partial perspective view of the distal end of the rotary drive shaft of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 33 ; -
FIG. 35 depicts a perspective view of a first rotary drive element of the stapling head assembly ofFIG. 33 ; -
FIG. 36 depicts a cross-sectional view of the first rotary drive element ofFIG. 35 , taken along line 11-11 ofFIG. 35 ; -
FIG. 37 depicts a perspective view of a second rotary drive element of the stapling head assembly ofFIG. 33 ; -
FIG. 38 depicts a perspective view of a drive nut of the stapling head assembly ofFIG. 33 ; -
FIG. 39 depicts a perspective view of a clamping driver of the stapling head assembly ofFIG. 33 ; -
FIG. 40 depicts a perspective view of the trocar of the stapling head assembly ofFIG. 33 ; -
FIG. 41A depicts a cross-sectional side view of the stapling head assembly ofFIG. 33 , with the anvil in an open position and with the rotary drive shaft in a distal position; -
FIG. 41B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the stapling head assembly ofFIG. 33 , with the anvil in a closed position and with the rotary drive shaft in the distal position; -
FIG. 41C depicts a cross-sectional side view of the stapling head assembly ofFIG. 33 , with the anvil in the closed position and with the rotary drive shaft shifted to a proximal position; -
FIG. 41D depicts a cross-sectional side view of the stapling head assembly ofFIG. 33 , with the staple driver and blade in a fired position; -
FIG. 42A depicts a perspective view of the stapling head assembly ofFIG. 33 , with the stapling head cartridge coupled with the shaft assembly; -
FIG. 42B depicts a perspective view of the stapling head assembly ofFIG. 33 , with the stapling head cartridge decoupled from the shaft assembly; and -
FIG. 43 depicts a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the shaft assembly of the surgical instrument ofFIG. 33 . - The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the technology may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present technology, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the technology; it being understood, however, that this technology is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.
- The following description of certain examples of the technology should not be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the technology. As will be realized, the technology described herein is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
- I. Overview of Exemplary Circular Stapling Surgical Instrument
-
FIGS. 1-6 depict an exemplary circular surgical stapling instrument (10) having a stapling head assembly (20), a shaft assembly (60), and an actuator handle assembly (70), each of which will be described in more detail below. Shaft assembly (60) extends distally from actuator handle assembly (70) and stapling head assembly (20) is coupled to a distal end of shaft assembly (60). In brief, actuator handle assembly (70) is operable to actuate a staple driver (24) of stapling head assembly (20) to drive a plurality of staples (66) out of stapling head assembly (20). Staples (66) are bent to form completed staples by an anvil (40) that is attached at the distal end of instrument (10). Accordingly, tissue (2), shown inFIGS. 2A-2C , may be stapled utilizing instrument (10). - In the present example, instrument (10) comprises a closure system and a firing system. The closure system comprises a trocar (38), a trocar actuator (39), and a rotating knob (98). An anvil (40) may be coupled to a distal end of trocar (38). Rotating knob (98) is operable to longitudinally translate trocar (38) relative to stapling head assembly (20), thereby translating anvil (40) when anvil (40) is coupled to trocar (38), to clamp tissue between anvil (40) and stapling head assembly (20). The firing system comprises a trigger (74), a trigger actuation assembly (84), a driver actuator (64), and a staple driver (24). Staple driver (24) includes a knife (36) configured to sever tissue when staple driver (24) is actuated longitudinally. In addition, staples (66) are positioned distal to a plurality of staple driving members (30) of staple driver (24) such that staple driver (24) also drives staples (66) distally when staple driver (24) is actuated longitudinally. Thus, when trigger (74) is actuated and trigger actuation assembly (84) actuates staple driver (24) via driver actuator (64), knife (36) and members (30) substantially simultaneously sever tissue (2) and drive staples (66) distally relative to stapling head assembly (20) into tissue. The components and functionalities of the closure system and firing system will now be described in greater detail.
- A. Exemplary Anvil
- As shown in
FIGS. 1-2C , anvil (40) is selectively coupleable to instrument (10) to provide a surface against which staples (66) may be bent to staple material contained between stapling head assembly (20) and anvil (40). Anvil (40) of the present example is selectively coupleable to a trocar or pointed rod (38) that extends distally relative to stapling head assembly (20). Referring toFIGS. 2A-2C , anvil (40) is selectively coupleable via the coupling of a proximal shaft (42) of anvil (40) to a distal tip of trocar (38). Anvil (40) comprises a generally circular anvil head (48) and a proximal shaft (42) extending proximally from anvil head (48). In the example shown, proximal shaft (42) comprises a tubular member (44) having resiliently biased retaining clips (46) to selectively couple anvil (40) to trocar (38), though this is merely optional, and it should be understood that other retention features for coupling anvil (40) to trocar (38) may be used as well. For example, C-clips, clamps, threading, pins, adhesives, etc. may be employed to couple anvil (40) to trocar (38). In addition, while anvil (40) is described as selectively coupleable to trocar (38), in some versions proximal shaft (42) may include a one-way coupling feature such that anvil (40) cannot be removed from trocar (38) once anvil (40) is attached. Merely exemplary one-way features include barbs, one way snaps, collets, collars, tabs, bands, etc. Of course still other configurations for coupling anvil (40) to trocar (38) will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For instance, trocar (38) may instead be a hollow shaft and proximal shaft (42) may comprise a sharpened rod that is insertable into the hollow shaft. - Anvil head (48) of the present example comprises a plurality of staple forming pockets (52) formed in a proximal face (50) of anvil head (48). Accordingly, when anvil (40) is in the closed position and staples (66) are driven out of stapling head assembly (20) into staple forming pockets (52), as shown in
FIG. 2C , legs (68) of staples (66) are bent to form completed staples. - With anvil (40) as a separate component, it should be understood that anvil (40) may be inserted and secured to a portion of tissue (2) prior to being coupled to stapling head assembly (20). By way of example only, anvil (40) may be inserted into and secured to a first tubular portion of tissue (2) while instrument (10) is inserted into and secured to a second tubular portion of tissue (2). For instance, the first tubular portion of tissue (2) may be sutured to or about a portion of anvil (40), and the second tubular portion of tissue (2) may be sutured to or about trocar (38).
- As shown in
FIG. 2A , anvil (40) is then coupled to trocar (38). Trocar (38) of the present example is shown in a distal most actuated position. Such an extended position for trocar (38) may provide a larger area to which tissue (2) may be coupled prior to attachment of anvil (40). In addition, the extended position of trocar (38) may also provide for easier attachment of anvil (40) to trocar (38). Trocar (38) further includes a tapered distal tip. Such a tip may be capable of piercing through tissue and/or aiding the insertion of anvil (40) on to trocar (38), though the tapered distal tip is merely optional. For instance, in other versions trocar (38) may have a blunt tip. In addition, or in the alternative, trocar (38) may include a magnetic portion (not shown) which may attract anvil (40) towards trocar (38). Of course still further configurations and arrangements for anvil (40) and trocar (38) will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. - When anvil (40) is coupled to trocar (38), the distance between a proximal face of the anvil (40) and a distal face of stapling head assembly (20) defines a gap distance d. Trocar (38) of the present example is translatable longitudinally relative to stapling head assembly (20) via an adjusting knob (98) located at a proximal end of actuator handle assembly (70), as will be described in greater detail below. Accordingly, when anvil (40) is coupled to trocar (38), rotation of adjusting knob (98) enlarges or reduces gap distance d by actuating anvil (40) relative to stapling head assembly (20). For instance, as shown sequentially in
FIGS. 2A-2B , anvil (40) is shown actuating proximally relative to actuator handle assembly (70) from an initial, open position to a closed position, thereby reducing the gap distance d and the distance between the two portions of tissue (2) to be joined. Once the gap distance d is brought within a predetermined range, stapling head assembly (20) may be fired, as shown inFIG. 2C , to staple and sever tissue (2) between anvil (40) and stapling head assembly (20). Stapling head assembly (20) is operable to staple and sever tissue (2) by a user pivoting a trigger (74) of actuator handle assembly (70), as will be described in greater detail below. - As noted above, gap distance d corresponds to the distance between anvil (40) and stapling head assembly (20). When instrument (10) is inserted into a patient, this gap distance d may not be easily viewable. Accordingly, a moveable indicator bar (110), shown in
FIGS. 5-6 , is provided to be visible through an indicator window (120) positioned opposite to trigger (74). Indicator bar (110) is operable to move in response to rotation of adjusting knob (98) such that the position of indicator bar (110) is representative of the gap distance d. As shown inFIG. 6 , indicator window (120) further comprises a scale (130) which indicates that the anvil gap is within a desired operating range (e.g., a green colored region or “green zone”) and a corresponding staple compression representation at each end of scale (130). By way of example only, as shown inFIG. 6 , a first staple image (132) depicts a large staple height while a second staple image (134) depicts a small staple height. Accordingly, a user can view the position of the coupled anvil (40) relative to the stapling head assembly (20) via indicator bar (110) and scale (130). The user may then adjust the positioning of anvil (40) via adjusting knob (98) accordingly. - Referring back to
FIGS. 2A-2C , a user sutures a portion of tissue (2) about tubular member (44) such that anvil head (48) is located within a portion of the tissue (2) to be stapled. When tissue (2) is attached to anvil (40), retaining clips (46) and a portion of tubular member (44) protrude out from tissue (2) such that the user may couple anvil (40) to trocar (38). With tissue (2) coupled to trocar (38) and/or another portion of stapling head assembly (20), the user attaches anvil (40) to trocar (38) and actuates anvil (40) proximally towards stapling head assembly (20) to reduce the gap distance d. Once instrument (10) is within the operating range, the user then staples together the ends of tissue (2), thereby forming a substantially contiguous tubular portion of tissue (2). - Anvil (40) may be further constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322; 5,285,945; 5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein; and/or in accordance with other configurations as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- B. Exemplary Stapling Head Assembly
- Stapling head assembly (20) of the present example is coupled to a distal end of shaft assembly (60) and comprises a tubular casing (22) housing a slidable staple driver (24) and a plurality of staples (66) contained within staple pockets (32). Staples (66) and staple pockets (32) are disposed in a circular array about tubular casing (22). In the present example, staples (66) and staple pockets (32) are disposed in a pair of concentric annular rows of staples (66) and staple pockets (32). Staple driver (24) is operable to actuate longitudinally within tubular casing (22) in response to rotation of trigger (74) of actuator handle assembly (70). As shown in
FIGS. 2A-2C , staple driver (24) comprises a flared cylindrical member having a trocar opening (26), a central recess (28), and a plurality of members (30) disposed circumferentially about central recess (28) and extending distally relative to shaft assembly (60). Each member (30) is configured to contact and engage a corresponding staple (66) of the plurality of staples (66) within staple pockets (32). Accordingly, when staple driver (24) is actuated distally relative to actuator handle assembly (70), each member (30) drives a corresponding staple (66) out of its staple pocket (32) through a staple aperture (34) formed in a distal end of tubular casing (22). Because each member (30) extends from staple driver (24), the plurality of staples (66) are driven out of stapling head assembly (20) at substantially the same time. When anvil (40) is in the closed position, staples (66) are driven into staple forming pockets (52) to bend legs (68) of the staples (66), thereby stapling the material located between anvil (40) and stapling head assembly (20).FIG. 3 depicts one merely exemplary staple (66) driven by a member (30) into a staple forming pocket (32) of anvil (40) to bend legs (68). - Staple driver (24) further includes a cylindrical knife (36) that is coaxial to trocar opening (26) and inset from staple pockets (32). In the present example, cylindrical knife (36) is disposed within central recess (28) to translate distally with staple driver (24). When anvil (40) is secured to trocar (38), as described above, anvil head (48) provides a surface against which cylindrical knife (36) cuts the material contained between anvil (40) and stapling head assembly (20). In some versions, anvil head (48) may include a recess (not shown) for cylindrical knife (36) to aid in cutting the material (e.g., by providing a cooperative shearing edge). In addition, or in the alternative, anvil head (48) may include one or more opposing cylindrical knives (not shown) offset from cylindrical knife (36) such that a scissor-type cutting action may be provided. Still other configurations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Stapling head assembly (20) is thus operable to both staple and cut tissue (2) substantially simultaneously in response to actuation by actuator handle assembly (70).
- Of course stapling head assembly (20) may be further constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322; 5,285,945; 5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein; and/or in accordance with other configurations as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- As noted previously, staple driver (24) includes a trocar opening (26). Trocar opening (26) is configured to permit trocar (38) to longitudinally slide relative to stapling head assembly (20) and/or shaft assembly (60). As shown in
FIGS. 2A-2C , trocar (38) is coupled to a trocar actuator (39) such that trocar (38) can be actuated longitudinally via rotation of rotating knob (98), as will be described in greater detail below in reference to actuator handle assembly (70). In the present example, trocar actuator (39) comprises an elongated, relatively stiff shaft coupled to trocar (38), though this is merely optional. In some versions, actuator (39) may comprise a longitudinally stiff material while permitting lateral bending such that portions of instrument (10) may be selectively bent or curved during use; or instrument (10) may include a preset bent shaft assembly (60). One merely exemplary material is nitinol. When anvil (40) is coupled to trocar (38), trocar (38) and anvil (40) are translatable via actuator (39) to adjust the gap distance d between anvil (40) and stapling head assembly (20). Still further configurations for actuator (39) to longitudinally actuate trocar (38) will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. - C. Exemplary Shaft Assembly
- Stapling head assembly (20) and trocar (38) are positioned at a distal end of shaft assembly (60), as shown in
FIGS. 2A-2C . Shaft assembly (60) of the present example comprises an outer tubular member (62) and a driver actuator (64). Outer tubular member (62) is coupled to tubular casing (22) of stapling head assembly (20) and to a body (72) of actuator handle assembly (70), thereby providing a mechanical ground for the actuating components therein. The proximal end of driver actuator (64) is coupled to a trigger actuation assembly (84) of actuator handle assembly (70), described below. The distal end of driver actuator (64) is coupled to staple driver (24) such that the rotation of trigger (74) longitudinally actuates staple driver (24). As shown inFIGS. 2A-2C , driver actuator (64) comprises a tubular member having an open longitudinal axis such that actuator (39) coupled to trocar (38) may actuate longitudinally within and relative to driver actuator (64). Of course it should be understood that other components may be disposed within driver actuator (64) as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. - Shaft assembly (60) may be further constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322; 5,285,945; 5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein; and/or in accordance with other configurations as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- D. Exemplary Actuator Handle Assembly
- Referring now to
FIGS. 4A-5 , actuator handle assembly (70) comprises a body (72), a trigger (74), a lockout feature (82), a trigger actuation assembly (84), and a trocar actuation assembly (90). Trigger (74) of the present example is pivotably mounted to body (72) and is coupled to trigger actuation assembly (84) such that rotation of trigger (74) from an unfired position (shown inFIG. 4A ) to a fired position (shown inFIG. 4B ) actuates driver actuator (64) described above. A spring (78) is coupled to body (72) and trigger (74) to bias trigger (74) towards the unfired position. Lockout feature (82) is a pivotable member that is coupled to body (72). In a first, locked position, lockout feature (82) is pivoted upwards and away from body (72) such that lockout feature (82) engages trigger (74) and mechanically resists actuation of trigger (74) by a user. In a second, unlocked position, such as that shown inFIGS. 1 and 4B , lockout feature (82) is pivoted downward such that trigger (74) may be actuated by the user. Accordingly, with lockout feature (82) in the second position, trigger (74) can engage a trigger actuation assembly (84) to fire instrument (10). - As shown in
FIGS. 4A-4B , trigger actuation assembly (84) of the present example comprises a slidable trigger carriage (86) engaged with a proximal end of driver actuator (64). Carriage (86) includes a set of tabs (88) on a proximal end of carriage (86) to retain and engage a pair of trigger arms (76) extending from trigger (74). Accordingly, when trigger (74) is pivoted, carriage (86) is actuated longitudinally and transfers the longitudinal motion to driver actuator (64). In the example shown, carriage (86) is fixedly coupled to the proximal end of driver actuator (64), though this is merely optional. Indeed, in one merely exemplary alternative, carriage (86) may simply abut driver actuator (64) while a distal spring (not shown) biases driver actuator (64) proximally relative to actuator handle assembly (70). - Trigger actuation assembly (84) may be further constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322; 5,285,945; 5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein; and/or in accordance with other configurations as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- Body (72) also houses a trocar actuation assembly (90) configured to actuate trocar (38) longitudinally in response to rotation of adjusting knob (98). As best shown in
FIGS. 4A-5 , trocar actuation assembly (90) of the present example comprises adjusting knob (98), a grooved shank (94), and a sleeve (92). Grooved shank (94) of the present example is located at a distal end of trocar actuator (39), though it should be understood that grooved shank (94) and trocar actuator (39) may alternatively be separate components that engage to transmit longitudinal movement. Adjusting knob (98) is rotatably supported by the proximal end of body (72) and is operable to rotate sleeve (92) that is engaged with grooved shank (94) via an internal tab (not shown). Grooved shank (94) of the present example comprises a continuous groove (96) formed in the outer surface of grooved shank (94). Accordingly, when adjusting knob (98) is rotated, the internal tab rides within groove (96) and grooved shank (94) is longitudinally actuated relative to sleeve (92). Since grooved shank (94) is located at the distal end of trocar actuator (39), rotating adjusting knob (98) in a first direction advances trocar actuator (39) distally relative to actuator handle assembly (70). Accordingly, the gap distance d between anvil (40) and stapling head assembly (20) is increased. By rotating adjusting knob (98) in the opposite direction, trocar actuator (39) is actuated proximally relative to actuator handle assembly (70) to reduce the gap distance d between anvil (40) and stapling head assembly (20). Thus, trocar actuation assembly (90) is operable to actuate trocar (38) in response to rotating adjustment knob (98). Of course other configurations for trocar actuation assembly (90) will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. - Groove (96) of the present example comprises a plurality of different portions (96A, 96B, 96C) that have a varying pitch or number of grooves per axial distance. The present groove (96) is divided into a distal portion (96A), a middle portion (96B) and a proximal portion (96C). As shown in
FIG. 5 , distal portion (96A) comprises a fine pitch or a high number of grooves over a short axial distance of grooved shank (94) such that a large number of rotations of adjusting knob (98) are required to traverse the short axial distance. Middle portion (96B) comprises a section with comparably coarser pitch or fewer grooves per axial distance such that relatively few rotations are required to traverse a long axial distance. Accordingly, the gap distance d may be quickly reduced through relatively few rotations of adjusting knob (98). Proximal portion (96C) of the present example is substantially similar to distal portion (96A) and comprises a fine pitch or a high number of grooves over a short axial distance of grooved shank (94) such that a large number of rotations are required to traverse the short axial distance. Proximal portion (96C) of the present example is positioned within sleeve (92) when anvil (40) is substantially near to stapling head assembly (20) such that indicator bar (110) moves within indicator window (120) along scale (130) to indicate that the anvil gap is within a desired operating range, as will be described in more detail below. Accordingly, when the tab is within proximal portion (96C) of groove (96), each rotation of adjusting knob (98) may reduce the gap distance d by a small amount to provide for fine tuning. - Trocar actuation assembly (90) may be further constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322; 5,285,945; 5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein; and/or in accordance with other configurations as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- In the example shown in
FIGS. 4A-4B , a U-shaped clip (100) is attached to an intermediate portion of trocar actuator (39) located distally of grooved shank (94). In the present example, an extension of trocar actuator (39) engages a slot in the housing of handle assembly (70) to prevent trocar actuator (39) from rotating about its axis when adjusting knob (98) is rotated. In some other versions, U-shaped clip (100) engages with a portion of body (72) to substantially prevent trocar actuator (39) from rotating about its axis when adjusting knob (98) is rotated. U-shaped clip (100) of the present example further includes an elongated slot (102) on each of its opposite sides for receiving an attachment member, such as a screw, bolt, pin, clip, etc., to selectively adjust the longitudinal position of elongated slot (102) of U-shaped clip (100) relative to trocar actuator (39) for purposes of calibrating indicator bar (110) relative to scale (130). - As shown in
FIG. 5 , actuator handle assembly (70) further includes an indicator bracket (140) configured to engage and pivot an indicator (104). Indicator bracket (140) of the present example is slidable relative to body (72) along a pair of slots formed on body (72). Indicator bracket (140) comprises a rectangular plate (144), an indicator arm (146), and an angled flange (142). Angled flange (142) is formed at the proximal end of rectangular plate (144) and includes an aperture (not shown) to slidable mount onto trocar actuator (39) and/or grooved shank (94). A coil spring (150) is interposed between flange (142) and a boss (152) to bias flange (142) against U-shaped clip (100). Accordingly, when U-shaped clip (100) actuates distally with trocar actuator (39) and/or grooved shank (94), coil spring (150) urges indicator bracket (140) to travel distally with U-shaped clip (100). In addition, U-shaped clip (100) urges indicator bracket (140) proximally relative to boss (152) when trocar actuator (39) and/or grooved shank (94) translate proximally, thereby compressing coil spring (150). Of course, it should be understood that in some versions indicator bracket (140) may be fixedly attached to trocar actuator (39) and/or grooved shank (94). - In the present example, a portion of lockout feature (82) abuts a surface (141) of indicator bracket (140) when indicator bracket (140) is in a longitudinal position that does not correspond to when the anvil gap is within a desired operating range (e.g., a green colored region or “green zone”). When the anvil gap is within a desired operating range (e.g., a green colored region or “green zone”), indicator bracket (140) narrows to provide a pair of gaps (145) on either side of an indicator arm (146) that permits lockout feature (82) to pivot, thereby releasing trigger (74). Accordingly, lockout feature (82) and indicator bracket (140) can substantially prevent a user from releasing and operating trigger (74) until anvil (40) is in a predetermined operating range. Of course it should be understood that lockout feature (82) may be omitted entirely in some versions.
- This operating range may be visually communicated to the user via an indicator bar (110) of an indicator (104) shown against a scale (130), described briefly above. At the distal end of indicator bracket (140) is a distally projecting indicator arm (146) which terminates at a laterally projecting finger (148) for controlling the movement of indicator (104). Indicator arm (146) and finger (148), best shown in
FIG. 5 , are configured to engage a tab (106) of indicator (104) such that indicator (104) is pivoted when indicator bracket (140) is actuated longitudinally. In the present example, indicator (104) is pivotably coupled to body (72) at a first end of indicator (104), though this is merely optional and other pivot points for indicator (104) will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. An indicator bar (110) is positioned on the second end of indicator (104) such that indicator bar (110) moves in response to the actuation of indicator bracket (140). Accordingly, as discussed above, indicator bar (110) is displayed through an indicator window (120) against a scale (130) (shown inFIG. 6 ) to show the relative gap distance d between anvil (40) and stapling head assembly (20). - Of course indicator bracket (140), indicator (104), and/or actuator handle assembly (70) may be further constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,205,459; 5,271,544; 5,275,322; 5,285,945; 5,292,053; 5,333,773; 5,350,104; 5,533,661, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein; and/or in accordance with other configurations as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- II. Exemplary Motorized Circular Stapling Surgical Instrument with Selectable Control
- In some instances, it may be desirable to provide motorized control of instrument (10). It may further be desirable to enable a user to select between either motorized control or manual control of a motorized version of circular surgical stapling instrument (10). For example, instrument (10) may include an operational mode selection assembly that allows the user to disengage an automated, motorized rotary actuation system and provide manual actuation of that system. It may also be desirable to provide a switch assembly for changing the mode of a single rotary drive between a tissue clamping mode and a tissue cutting/stapling mode. In other words, such a switch assembly may enable a single rotary drive to either actuate anvil (40) clamping features or actuate knife (36) and staple driving features of instrument (10). The examples below include merely illustrative versions of instrument (10) where a single motor can be used to control both clamping and cutting/stapling of tissue via a single rotary drive; where the operator can select between motorized operation and manual operation; and a stapling head cartridge assembly that is responsive to the single rotary drive in motorized and manual operation.
- A. Exemplary Operational Mode Selection Assembly
-
FIG. 7 shows another exemplary circular stapling instrument (210), which is a selectively motorized variation of instrument (10). Instrument (210) of this example comprises a stapling head assembly (220), an anvil (240), a shaft assembly (260), and a handle assembly (270). Stapling head assembly (220) is similar to stapling head assembly (20) in that stapling head assembly (220) selectively couples with anvil (240). Stapling head assembly (220) is operable to clamp tissue between staple pockets (32) and staple forming pockets (52) of anvil (240). Stapling head assembly (220) comprises a cylindrical knife (36) that is operable to sever tissue captured between stapling head assembly (220) and anvil (240). Stapling head assembly (220) drives staples (66) through the tissue captured between stapling head assembly (220) and anvil (240). Stapling instrument (210) may be used to create a secure anastomosis (e.g., an end-to-end anastomosis) within a gastro-intestinal tract of a patient or elsewhere. - Stapling head assembly (220) differs from stapling head assembly (20) in that stapling head assembly (220) is operable to clamp tissue, sever tissue, and staple tissue all in response to a single rotary input communicated via shaft assembly (260). Accordingly, actuation inputs translated linearly through shaft assembly (260) are not required for stapling head assembly (220), though stapling head assembly (220) may comprise a translating clutch feature. By way of example only, at least part of stapling head assembly (220) may be configured in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/716,318, entitled “Motor Driven Rotary Input Circular Stapler with Modular End Effector,” filed on Dec. 17, 2012, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,597,081 on Mar. 21, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Other suitable configurations for stapling head assembly (220) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- Shaft assembly (260) is similar to shaft assembly (60) in that shaft assembly (260) couples handle assembly (270) with stapling head assembly (220). Shaft assembly (260) differs from shaft assembly (60) in that shaft assembly (260) comprises a single actuation feature, rotary driver actuator (264) shown in
FIG. 8 . Driver actuator (264) is operable to drive stapling head assembly (220) to clamp tissue, sever tissue, and staple tissue. Accordingly, linear actuation through shaft assembly (260) is not required, though rotary driver actuator (264) may translate longitudinally to shift between a tissue clamping mode and a tissue cutting/stapling mode. For instance, driver actuator (264) may translate from a first longitudinal position, in which rotation of driver actuator (264) provides clamping of tissue at stapling head assembly (220), to a second longitudinal position, in which rotation of driver actuator (264) provides cutting and stapling of tissue at stapling head assembly (220). Some versions of shaft assembly (260) may include one or more flexible sections. An example of a shaft assembly that is configured with flexible sections and that may be incorporated into shaft assembly (260) is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/716,323, entitled “Motor Driven Rotary Input Circular Stapler with Lockable Flexible Shaft,” filed on Dec. 17, 2012, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,463,022 on Oct. 11, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively, shaft assembly (260) may be rigid along the length of shaft assembly (260) or have one or more flexible sections configured in some other fashion. - Handle assembly (270) is shown in
FIGS. 8-10 . Handle assembly (270) comprises a handle housing (272), a motor housing (274), a motor (280), a battery (281), a rotation knob (298), an operational mode selection assembly (which is shown inFIGS. 11A-11B ), and a firing ring (252). Motor housing (274) is positioned within handle housing (272). Handle housing (272) comprises ribs (255, 256, 257) extending inwardly into handle housing (272) to support motor housing (274), as shown inFIG. 9 . Battery (281) is positioned proximal to motor (280) within motor housing (274). Battery (281) may be removed from motor housing (274) to be replaced, discarded, or recharged. As best seen inFIG. 10 , battery (281) comprises electrical contacts (231, 232) extending distally from battery (281). Motor (280) comprises electrical contacts (233, 234) extending proximally from motor (280). Battery electrical contact (232) and motor electrical contact (234) are coupled via conductive metal band (242). Screw (243) couples band (242) to motor housing (274) to fix the position of band (242) relative to motor housing (274). Accordingly, band (242) is configured to constantly couple battery electrical contact (232) and motor electrical contact (234). - As shown in
FIG. 10 , battery electrical contact (231) is coupled to a conductive metal band (245). Metal band (245) is secured to motor housing (274) via a conductive screw (247). Motor electrical contact (233) is coupled to a conductive metal band (244). Metal band (244) is secured to motor housing (274) via a conductive screw (246). Motor housing (274) is formed of an electrically insulative material (e.g., plastic) and comprises annular contacts (284, 286) wrapped around motor housing (274). Screws (246, 247) are each coupled with a respective annular contact (284, 286) to electrically couple battery electrical contact (231) and motor electrical contact (233) to annular contacts (284, 286), respectively. - Another conductive metal band (282) is secured to handle housing (272). Each end of metal band (282) forms a respective spring contact (283, 285). Motor housing (274) translates proximally and/or distally relative to handle housing (272) to selectively couple and/or decouple spring contacts (283, 285) with annular contacts (284, 286). In particular, when motor housing (274) is in a distal position (
FIG. 15A ), spring contact (283) engages annular contact (284) and spring contact (285) engages annular contact (286) to couple battery (281) with motor (280) and supply power to motor (280). It should be understood that, since spring contacts (283, 285) are part of the same conductive metal band (282), and since contacts (232, 234) are already coupled via band (242), the engagement between spring contacts (283, 285) and annular contacts (284, 286) completes a circuit between battery (281) and motor (280). This positioning is used to provide motorized actuation of stapling head assembly (220) as will be described in greater detail below. When motor housing (274) is in a proximal position (FIG. 17A ), spring contacts (283, 285) are decoupled from annular contacts (284, 286), such that battery (281) is decoupled from motor (280) and motor (280) does not receive power. This positioning is used to provide manual actuation of stapling head assembly (220) as will be described in greater detail below. The annular shape of annular contacts (284, 286) enables proper contact between spring contacts (283, 285) and annular contacts (284, 286) regardless of the angular position of motor housing (274) within handle housing (272). In some versions, band (282) may include a break that is coupled with an external switch, such that a user may actuate the external switch in order to complete the coupling between battery (281) and motor (280) after motor housing (274) is in the distal position. - A proximal end of motor housing (274) is fixedly secured to rotation knob (298), as shown in
FIG. 8 . Rotation knob (298) protrudes proximally from handle housing (272) and comprises splines (296) extending distally from rotation knob (298). Handle housing (272) comprises corresponding teeth (251) to selectively engage splines (296). Rotation knob (298) is pulled and/or pushed to translate motor housing (274) within handle housing (272). When rotation knob (298) is in a proximal position (FIG. 17A ), splines (296) are disengaged from handle housing (272) such that rotation knob (298) and motor housing (274) are free to rotate relative to handle housing (272). This positioning is used to provide manual actuation of stapling head assembly (220) as will be described in greater detail below. When rotation knob (298) is in a distal position (FIG. 15A ), splines (296) engage corresponding teeth (251) in handle housing (272) to lock rotation knob (298) and motor housing (274) from rotating relative to handle housing (272). Splines (296) and teeth (251) thus provide a mechanical ground for motor housing (274) relative to handle housing (272). This positioning is used to provide motorized actuation of stapling head assembly (220) as will be described in greater detail below. Rotation knob (298) is biased to the distal position by a resilient member (279) in handle housing (272). In particular, resilient member (279) extends distally from rib (255) of handle housing (272) to a first gear (278), which is unitarily secured to the distal end of motor housing (274). When rotation knob (298) is in the proximal position, resilient member (279) compresses between first gear (278) and rib (255) to resiliently bias handle housing (272) to the distal position. - An operational mode selection assembly is positioned distal to motor housing (274) within handle housing (272). As shown in
FIGS. 11-13 , the operational mode selection assembly comprises a first gear (278) and a second gear (276), with first gear (278) being coaxially and slidably disposed about second gear (276). First gear (278) comprises square teeth (277) aligned around an inner opening of first gear (278), as shown inFIG. 12 . Teeth (277) define a circumferentially spaced array of recesses. Second gear (276) comprises a shaft (273), splines (275), and annular flanges (258), as shown inFIG. 13 . Shaft (273) has a distally presented opening (259). Distally presented opening (259) is hexagonal to receive proximal end (263) of driver actuator (264), which is also hexagonal (FIG. 8 ). Shaft (273) also has a proximally presented opening (not shown) that is semi-circular to complement and receive drive shaft (287) extending distally from motor (280). Other suitable shapes and configurations of shafts (263, 287) may used to couple second gear (276) with shafts (263, 287). - Splines (275) of second gear (276) are positioned on a proximal end of shaft (273) and extend distally. Splines (275) correspond to teeth (277) of first gear (278), such that splines (275) are configured to fit within the recesses defined between teeth (277). A pair of annular flanges (258) are positioned at a distal end of shaft (273) and extend outwardly to engage an inwardly extending annular rib (253) of handle housing (272), thereby fixing the longitudinal position of second gear (276) within handle housing (272). While annular rib (253) fixes the longitudinal position of second gear (276) within handle housing (272), annular rib (253) nevertheless allows second gear (276) to rotate relative to handle housing (272). Other suitable engagement features to longitudinally fix second gear (276) will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein.
- First gear (278) is positioned around second gear (276), as shown in
FIGS. 11A-11B . First gear (278) is fixedly coupled to a distal end of motor housing (274) such that first gear (278) translates and rotates unitarily with motor housing (274). When motor housing (274) is in a proximal position, as shown inFIGS. 11B and 17A , motor (280) and first gear (278) are also in a proximal position. In this position, drive shaft (287) of motor (280) is disengaged from second gear (276) and teeth (277) of first gear (278) engage splines (275) of second gear (276). Thus, when rotation knob (298) rotates, motor housing (274) and first gear (278) also rotate. This positioning thereby provides manual actuation of stapling head assembly (220), as will be described in greater detail below. With teeth (277) of first gear (278) engaged with splines (275), rotation knob (298) thereby rotates second gear (276) relative to motor housing (274). When motor housing (274) is in a distal position, as shown inFIGS. 11A and 15B , motor (280) and first gear (278) are also in a distal position. Motor (280) is engaged with second gear (276) via shafts (287, 273). First gear (278) slides over shaft (273) of second gear (276) to disengage splines (275). Thus, the rotation of drive shaft (287) of motor (280) thereby rotates second gear (276). This positioning thereby provides motorized actuation of stapling head assembly (220), as will be described in greater detail below. In other words, when knob (298) and motor housing (274) are in a distal position as shown inFIGS. 11A and 15B , motor (280) rotates second gear (276). When knob (298) and motor housing (274) are in a proximal position as shown inFIGS. 11B and 17A , knob (298) rotates second gear (276). - Referring back to
FIGS. 8-9 , a distal end of second gear (276) is coupled to driver actuator (264), such that rotation of second gear (276) rotates driver actuator (264). Driver actuator (264) is similar to driver actuator (64). Accordingly, when second gear (276) is rotated, driver actuator (264) is rotated to adjust the gap distance d between anvil (240) and stapling head assembly (220). Handle housing (272) further comprises firing ring (252) and coupling member (268). Coupling member (268) is secured around recess (261) of driver actuator (264), as shown inFIG. 8 . Accordingly, coupling member (268) translates with driver actuator (264), but driver actuator (264) is free to rotate within coupling member (268). Coupling member (268) comprises protrusions extending outwardly that connect coupling member (268) to firing ring (252). The protrusions of coupling member (268) extend through slots (265, 266, 267) of housing assembly (272), as shown inFIG. 14 . Slot (265) extends circumferentially about part of handle assembly (272). Slot (266) extends proximally from slot (265). Slot (267) extends transversely from slot (266) and is substantially parallel with slot (265). Firing ring (252) is wrapped around handle housing (272) and is rotatable and translatable relative to handle housing (272) to manually drive the protrusions of coupling member (268) through slots (265, 266, 267). - When firing ring (252) is in a distal position, protrusions of coupling member (268) are positioned within slot (265) of handle housing (272). When coupling member (268) is positioned within slot (265), coupling member (268) couples driver actuator (264) with features in stapling head assembly (220) operable to adjust the gap distance d between anvil (240) and stapling head assembly (220). For instance, if coupling member (268) is rotated clockwise within slot (265), the gap distance d is decreased to close anvil (240) relative to stapling head assembly (220). If coupling member (268) is rotated counterclockwise within slot (265), the gap distance d is increased to open anvil (240) relative to stapling head assembly (220). A resilient member (269) is positioned proximal to coupling member (268) to bias coupling member (268) distally (
FIG. 8 ). Coupling member (268) of firing ring (252) may then be translated proximally through slot (266) to slot (267). When firing ring (252) is in the proximal position, protrusions of coupling member (268) are positioned within slot (267). When coupling member (268) is positioned within slot (267), coupling member (268) couples driver actuator (264) with features in stapling head assembly (220) that drive knife (36) and staples (66) in response to rotation of driver actuator (264). For instance, if coupling member (268) is rotated clockwise within slot (267), stapling head assembly (220) drives knife (36) and staples (66). The configuration of slot (367) prevents coupling member (268) from being rotated counterclockwise. Other suitable coupling member (268) rotation configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in view of the teachings herein. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , a switch (248) is positioned in handle housing (272) to align with coupling member (268). When the motorized operational mode is selected, switch (248) is configured to electrically couple motor (280) and battery (281) when switch (248) is depressed, and switch (248) is configured to electrically decouple motor (280) and battery (281) when switch (248) is not depressed. Coupling member (268) is configured to engage and depress switch (248) when coupling member (268) is rotated. For instance, when coupling member (268) is in a neutral position (e.g., when coupling members (268) are aligned with respective slots (266)), switch (248) is not depressed and motor (280) is decoupled from battery (281). When coupling member (268) is rotated away from the neutral position, coupling member (268) engages switch (248) to depress switch (248) and couple motor (280) with battery (281) to operate instrument (210). It should be understood that housing (272) may include three switches (248). For instance, one switch (248) may be positioned for activation when firing ring (252) is rotated clockwise while in the proximal position (e.g., with coupling member (268) in slot (267)); with another switch (248) being positioned for activation when firing ring (252) is rotated clockwise while in the distal position (e.g., with coupling member (268) in slot (265)); with yet another switch (248) being positioned for activation when firing ring (252) is rotated counterclockwise while in the distal position. A control logic may be in communication with the switches (248) that are activated when firing ring (252) is rotated while in the distal position. Such a control logic may be operable to selectively reverse the direction of rotation by motor (280), to thereby provide selective advancement or retraction of trocar (238) and anvil (240) to adjust the gap distance d, depending on the direction in which firing ring (252) is rotated. - It should be understood that firing ring (252) and coupling member (268) act as a clutch control to shift driver actuator (264) from an anvil clamping mode (when coupling member (268) is in the distal position) to a cutting/stapling mode (when coupling member (268) is in the proximal position). An example of a stapling head assembly (220) responsive to such changes in driver actuator (264) positioning is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/716,318, entitled “Motor Driven Rotary Input Circular Stapler with Modular End Effector,” filed on Dec. 17, 2012, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,597,081 on Mar. 21, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Other suitable forms that stapling head assembly (220) may take will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Outer tubular member (262) is coupled to actuator handle assembly (270). Outer tubular member (262) is similar to outer tubular member (62) to provide a mechanical ground between stapling head assembly (220) and handle assembly (270).
- 1. Motorized Operation
-
FIGS. 15A-15C show instrument (210) during motorized operation.FIG. 15A shows anvil (240) being coupled to trocar (238). Anvil (240) couples with trocar (238) in a manner similar to that described above with respect to anvil (40) and trocar (38). When motorized operation is selected, rotation knob (298) is in a distal position. In the distal position, splines (296) of rotation knob (298) engage corresponding teeth (251) in handle housing (272) to lock rotation knob (298) from rotating relative to handle housing (272). When rotation knob (298) is in the distal position, motor housing (274) is also in a distal position. When motor housing (274) is in the distal position, spring contacts (283, 285) are aligned with annular contacts (284, 286) to couple electrical contact (231) of battery (281) with electrical contact (233) of motor (280). Power is supplied from battery (281) to motor (280) when coupling member (268) is rotated to depress switch (248). Motor (280) is engaged with second gear (276) via shafts (287, 273) and first gear (278) is disengaged from splines (275), thereby permitting second gear (276) to rotate relative to first gear (278), motor housing (274), and handle housing (272). Protrusions of coupling member (268) are positioned distally within slot (265) of handle housing (272) to lock the longitudinal position of firing ring (252) and driver actuator (264). - As shown in
FIG. 15B , firing ring (252) is rotated clockwise to translate coupling member (268) within slot (267). As coupling member (268) is rotated, switch (248) is depressed to couple motor (280) and battery (281) and supply power to motor (280). Motor (280) is thus activated to rotate shaft (287). Shaft (287) thereby rotates second gear (276). Because second gear (276) is coupled to driver actuator (264), the rotation of second gear (276) also rotates driver actuator (264). This rotation of driver actuator (264) drives features in stapling head assembly (220) to adjust the gap distance d between anvil (240) and stapling head assembly (220). Once anvil (240) is in a desired position relative to stapling head assembly (220), firing ring (252) is rotated counterclockwise to a neutral position to release switch (248) such that motor (280) is decoupled from battery (281). Instrument (210) may then be fired, as shown inFIG. 15C . Firing ring (252) is translated to position coupling member (268) out of slot (265) to the proximal position in slot (267). When coupling member (268) is translated proximally to slot (267), coupling member (268) also translates driver actuator (264) proximally to couple driver actuator (264) with features in stapling head assembly (220) operable to drive knife (36) distally and to drive staples (66) into anvil (240) to staple the clamped tissue (2, 4) to create an anastomosis. Firing ring (252) is rotated clockwise within slot (267) to depress switch (248) to again couple battery (281) with motor (280) to supply power to motor (280). Motor (280) is again rotated with coupling member (268) and driver actuator (264) in the proximal position. This rotation is communicated to driver actuator (264) via drive shaft (287) and second gear (276), and is thereby communicated to driver actuator (264) to cut and staple tissue (2, 4). Firing ring (252) may then be rotated counterclockwise within slot (267) to the neutral position to release switch (248) and decouple motor (280) from battery (281). - 2. Selection of Operation Mode
- As shown in
FIG. 16 , instrument (210) is switched from motorized operation to manual operation. A user may grasp rotation knob (298) to translate rotation knob (298) from the distal position to the proximal position. In the proximal position, splines (296) of rotation knob (298) disengage from corresponding teeth (251) in handle housing (272) to allow rotation knob (298) to rotate relative to handle housing (272). This also allows motor housing (274) and first gear (278) to rotate relative to handle housing (272). When rotation knob (298) is in the proximal position, motor housing (274) is also in a proximal position. When motor housing (274) is in the proximal position, spring contacts (283, 285) are offset from annular contacts (284, 286) to decouple battery (281) from motor (280) such that no power is supplied to motor (280). First gear (278) translates proximally to engage splines (275) of second gear (276). Thereby, rotation of rotation knob (298) rotates motor housing (274), first gear (278), second gear (276), and driver actuator (264). A user may also push rotation knob (298) back distally to reselect motorized operation. By using rotation knob (298) as an actuator to select between motorized and manual operation, the need for lockouts or switches to simultaneously remove power to motor (280) is eliminated. Rotation knob (298) thus provides a “bailout” system of motorized operation, while allowing instrument (210) to be fully operational in the manual operational mode. It should therefore be understood that even if an operator initially uses instrument (210) in a motorized mode, the operator may quickly and easily convert instrument (210) to a manually operated mode simply by pulling on rotation knob (298), without sacrificing essential functionality of instrument (210). - 3. Manual Operation
-
FIGS. 17A-17C show instrument (210) during manual operation.FIG. 17A shows anvil (240) being coupled to trocar (238). Rotation knob (298) is in the proximal position, as described above. As shown inFIG. 17B , rotation knob (298) is rotated to rotate motor housing (274) relative to handle housing (272). Motor housing (274) thereby rotates first gear (278). First gear (278) is engaged with splines (275) to rotate second gear (276). Because second gear (276) is coupled to driver actuator (264), the rotation of second gear (276) also rotates driver actuator (264). This rotation of driver actuator (264) rotates features in stapling head assembly (220) to adjust the gap distance d between anvil (240) and stapling head assembly (220). Once anvil (240) is in a desired position relative to stapling head assembly (220), instrument (210) may be fired, as shown inFIG. 17C . Firing ring (252) is translated from the distal position and out of slot (265) to the proximal position with slot (267). When coupling member (268) is translated proximally to slot (267), coupling member (268) also translates driver actuator (264) proximally to couple driver actuator (264) with features in stapling head assembly (220) operable to drive knife (36) distally and to drive staples (66) into anvil (240) to staple the clamped tissue (2, 4) to create an anastomosis. Rotation knob (298) is again rotated with coupling member (268) and driver actuator (264) in the proximal position. This rotation is communicated to driver actuator (264) via first gear (278) and second gear (276), and is thereby communicated to driver actuator (264) to cut and staple tissue (2, 4). - 4. Control Assembly
-
FIG. 18 shows an exemplary control assembly (228) for use with instrument (210). Control assembly (228) comprises a sensor (222), a control module (224), and a feedback feature (226). Feedback feature (226) may be operable to provide visual, audio, and/or haptic feedback (LED lights, LED display, speaker, vibration generator, etc.). Sensor (222) is coupled to instrument (210) and is configured to detect movement within the drive train of instrument (210). For example, sensor (222) may comprise an encoder positioned to detect rotation of driver actuator (264) or some other rotating component of drive train (e.g, a component that rotates but does not also translate). Sensor (222) is coupled with control module (224) to provide the sensed signal to control module (224). Control module (224) is configured to process the sensed signal and may determine the selected operational mode of instrument (210), the gap distance d between anvil (240) and stapling head assembly (220), and/or the firing of knife (36) and staples (66). In the present example, control module (224) is coupled with instrument (210) and feedback feature (226). However, control module (224) may be coupled with either of instrument (210) or feedback feature (226). Control module (224) may also be coupled with switch (248) to actuate motor (280) when switch (248) is depressed. Each of sensor (222), control module (224), and feedback feature (226) may be located within instrument (210) or remotely from instrument (210). - Based on the sensed signal, control module (224) is operable to actuate instrument (210) and/or feedback feature (226). For example, control module (224) may actuate feedback feature (226) to indicate the selected operational mode of instrument (210). In some versions, feedback feature (226) may have a first LED corresponding to the motorized operational mode and a second LED corresponding to the manual operational mode. Sensor (222) may detect the proximal and/or distal position of rotation knob (298) and/or motor housing (274) and provide the information to control module (224). Control module (224) may then illuminate the first LED if sensor (222) detects the proximal position to indicate the motorized operational mode is selected. Control module (224) may illuminate the second LED if sensor (222) detects the distal position to indicate the manual operational mode is selected. Alternatively, feedback feature (226) may have only one LED which is either illuminated or not to indicate the operational mode, or feedback feature (226) may have a speaker to provide a sound when the operational mode is changed.
- In some versions, control module (224) may actuate feedback feature (226) to indicate the selected mode of stapling assembly (220). Feedback feature (226) may have a first LED corresponding to the tissue clamping mode and a second LED corresponding to the firing mode. Sensor (222) may detect the proximal and/or distal position of firing ring (252), coupling member (268) and/or driver actuator (264) and provide the information to control module (224). Control module (224) may then illuminate the first LED if sensor (222) detects the distal position to indicate the tissue clamping mode is selected. Control module (224) may illuminate the second LED if sensor (222) detects the proximal position to indicate the firing mode is selected. Alternatively, feedback feature (226) may have only one LED which is either illuminated or not to indicate stapling head assembly (220) mode, or feedback feature (226) may have a speaker to provide a sound when stapling head assembly (220) mode is changed.
- In addition or in the alternative, control module (224) may actuate feedback feature (226) to indicate the gap distance d between anvil (240) and stapling head assembly (220). Sensor (222) may detect the number of rotations of driver actuator (264). Control module (224) may then determine the gap distance d based on the sensed signal and actuate feedback feature (226). Feedback feature (226) may comprise a plurality of LEDs that individually illuminate to indicate the gap distance d. As gap distance d increases, LEDs may illuminate to correspond to the gap distance d. As gap distance d decreases, LEDs may turn off to correspond to the gap distance d. As another merely illustrative example, feedback feature (226) may comprise an LED display screen that provides a real-time indication of the gap distance d. Feedback feature (226) may also have a speaker that emits a sound that changes in either pitch or volume to indicate the corresponding gap distance d. Alternatively, one LED may be used to indicate when a particular gap distance d has been reached, or a sound may be provided when the particular gap distance d has been reached.
- In versions where feedback feature (226) includes the capability of providing haptic feedback to the operator, it should be understood that various conventional components may be incorporated into handle assembly (270) to provide such haptic feedback. It should also be understood that haptic feedback may be provided through motor (280). By way of example only, feedback feature (226) may be configured to provide a sine wave signal to motor (280) to essentially rotate drive shaft (287) slightly clockwise and then immediately rotating it slightly counterclockwise the exact same amount. The net result would be zero rotational displacement of drive shaft (287). When this sequence is repeated (e.g., in a rapid succession), the movement of drive shaft (287) may cause handle assembly (270) to vibrate or otherwise shake enough for the operator to feel it through the hand that grasps handle assembly (270). With the zero net movement of drive shaft (287) through this feedback algorithm, the haptic feedback may result in no net actuation of anything in head assembly (220), regardless of whether driver actuator (264) is in the distal position or the proximal position. Such haptic feedback may be provided to indicate the end of a stapling stroke, to indicate a lockout condition, and/or to indicate some other condition. Various other suitable ways in which audio, visual, and/or haptic feedback may be provided will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- In some versions, control module (224) may actuate instrument (210). Sensor (222) may be configured to detect when knife (36) and staples (66) have been fired. Control module (224) may thus automatically reverse motor (280) once knife (36) and staples (66) have been fired. Control module (224) may also actuate feedback feature (226) to indicate to a user that instrument (210) has been fired. Other suitable ways in which sensors (222), control module (224), and feedback feature (226) may be used will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should also be understood that such features may be simply omitted if desired.
- B. Exemplary Switch Assembly
- As described above, surgical stapling instrument (10, 210) has two sub-systems, a closure sub-system (to clamp tissue between anvil (40, 240) and stapling head assembly (20, 220)) and a firing sub-system (to drive knife (36) and staples (66) distally toward anvil (40, 240)), in order to create an anastomosis. It may be desirable to power both sub-systems with a single rotary motor to eliminate the cost and packaging of an additional motor and transmission.
FIGS. 19-20 show an exemplary drive assembly (371) configured to power two sub-systems with a single rotary motor (380). While instrument (210) provided closure and firing with a single rotary drive shaft, drive assembly (371) of this example provides closure and firing through two separate rotary drive shafts driven by a single motor (380). Drive assembly (371) comprises a motor (380), a transmission shaft (392), a solenoid (390), a closure rod (364), and a firing rod (362). Motor (380) comprises a shaft (368) extending from motor (380) and a gear (370) coupled to shaft (368). Transmission shaft (392) comprises a gear (372) engaged with gear (370) of motor (380). A gear (377) is positioned on the opposing end of transmission shaft (392). - A pivoting swing arm (391) is wrapped around transmission shaft (392) such that transmission shaft (392) may freely rotate relative to swing arm (391), as shown in
FIG. 18 . Swing arm (391) extends from transmission shaft (392) and comprises a gear (376). Gear (376) is fixedly secured to swing arm (391). A pin (394) extends from swing arm (391) and is coaxial with gear (376). Pin (394) is pivotally supported by a bracket (393), such that swing arm (391) is pivotable about pin (394) relative to bracket (393) in response to rotation of gear (376). Solenoid (390) comprises a gear (374) coupled to a rack (371). Rack (371) is also coupled to a gear (375), which engages gear (376) of swing arm (391). Alternatively, gear (374) of solenoid (390) may directly couple to gear (376) of swing arm (391). Closure rod (364) comprises a gear (378). Firing rod (362) is positioned adjacent to and substantially parallel with closure rod (364). Firing rod (362) comprises a gear (379). Gear (377) of transmission shaft (392) selectively swings to engage either gear (378) of closure rod (364) or gear (379) of firing rod (362). - As shown in
FIGS. 19-20 , transmission shaft (392) is positioned to engage closure rod (364). Accordingly, when motor (380) is activated, shaft (368) rotates gear (370). Gear (370) thereby rotates gear (372) and transmission shaft (392) to rotate gear (377). Because gear (377) is engaged with gear (378), transmission shaft (392) thereby rotates closure rod (364). Closure rod (364) may be used to adjust the gap distance d between anvil (40, 240) and stapling head assembly (20, 220). If a user desires to switch to the firing sub-system, solenoid (390) may be actuated. When solenoid (390) is actuated, solenoid (390) rotates gear (374) to translate rack (371). Rack (371) then rotates gear (375) and gear (376) of swing arm (391). Gear (376) thereby pivots swing arm (391). As swing arm (391) pivots, swing arm (391) translates transmission shaft (392) such that transmission shaft (392) disengages closure rod (364) and engages firing rod (362). Accordingly, when motor (380) is activated, shaft (368) rotates gear (370). Gear (370) thereby rotates gear (372) and transmission shaft (392) to rotate gear (377). Because gear (377) is now engaged with gear (379), transmission shaft (392) thereby rotates firing rod (362). Firing rod (364) may be used to drive knife (36) and staples (66) distally toward anvil (40, 240). Solenoid (390) may then be actuated again such that switch assembly (371) switches to the closure sub-system via swing arm (391). - Solenoid (390) may be button activated or be otherwise manually activated. Alternatively, switching assembly (371) may incorporate logic such that solenoid (390) is activated automatically. For instance, a user may actuate drive assembly (371) by inputting a user input (310) into a control module (312), as shown in
FIG. 19 . Control module (312) is coupled to motor (380) and solenoid (390) to selectively actuate motor (380) and/or solenoid (390) based on user input (310). Control module (312) may be integral with instrument (10, 210), or control module (312) may be a separate assembly. Suitable control module (312) configurations will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. - III. Miscellaneous
- It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.
- At least some of the teachings herein may be readily combined with one or more teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 7,794,475, entitled “Surgical Staples Having Compressible or Crushable Members for Securing Tissue Therein and Stapling Instruments for Deploying the Same,” issued Sep. 14, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Various suitable ways in which such teachings may be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- As described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,794,475,
FIGS. 21-22 depict a unique and novel collapsible or compressible staple driver arrangement that enables the various staple drivers to accommodate different tissue thicknesses by collapsing or compressing in response to compression forces that the driver encounters during the firing process. As used herein, the term “firing process” refers to the process of driving the staple drivers towards the staple forming undersurface of the anvil. As was mentioned above, prior staple drivers were fabricated from stiff/rigid material designed to resist deflection and deformation when encountering compression forces during the firing process. A variety of such driver configurations are known. For example, some staple drivers are configured to support a single staple and others are designed to support multiple staples. A discussion of single and double staple drivers and how they may be operably supported and fired within a staple cartridge is found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/216,562, filed Aug. 31, 2005, entitled Staple Cartridges For Forming Staples Having Differing Formed Staple Heights to Frederick E. Shelton, IV, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. -
FIG. 21 depicts a staple applying assembly (916 h) that includes an elongate channel (940 h) that has an anvil (920 h) pivotally coupled thereto in a known manner. The elongate channel (940 h) is configured to operably support a staple cartridge (942 h) therein. The anvil (920 h) has a staple forming undersurface (960 h) thereon that is adapted to confront the upper surface (943 h) of the staple cartridge (942 h) when the anvil (920 h) is pivoted to the closed position shown inFIG. 21 . The staples (983) are each supported on a corresponding staple driver (500), the construction of which will be discussed in further detail below. - Each staple driver (500) may be movably supported within a corresponding staple channel (987 h) provided in the cartridge body (985 h) as shown in
FIGS. 21 and 22 . Also operably supported within the cartridge body (985 h) is a driving member or wedge sled (978) that is oriented for engagement by the E-beam firing member (950) during the firing process. As the E-beam firing member (950) and wedge sled (978) are driven distally through the elongate channel (940 h) and staple cartridge (942) in a known manner, the wedge sled (978) drives the staple drivers (500) upwardly within the cartridge body (985 h). As the staple drivers (500) are driven upwardly toward the staple forming undersurface (960 h) of the anvil (920 h), they carry with them their respective staple (983) or staples which are driven into forming engagement with the corresponding staple forming pockets (961 h) in the staple forming undersurface (960 h) of the anvil (920 h). As the ends (988) of the staple (983) contact the forming pockets (961 h), they are bent over thus providing the staple (983) with a shape that somewhat resembles a “B”. While the various embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in connection with E-beam firing members, it is conceivable that these various embodiments may also be successfully employed with a variety of different firing member and driving member arrangements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. - One collapsible staple driver embodiment of the present invention is depicted in
FIGS. 21 and 22 . As can be seen in those Figures, the collapsible or compressible staple driver (500) includes a base portion (502) and a staple supporting portion (520) that is movable from a first uncollapsed position relative to the base portion (502) in response to compression forces generated during the firing process. In various embodiments, the base portion (502) may have a forward support column segment and a rearward support column segment that is spaced from the forward support column segment and is substantially integrally formed therewith. The base portion (502) may also have an upstanding side portion that has a rib protruding from a backside therefrom. The upstanding side portion serves to define a receiving ledge (514) in the base portion (502) for receiving the staple supporting portion (520) thereon. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that when the staple supporting portion (520) is received on the ledge (514), the staple driver (500) is unable to collapse or compress any further. - The staple supporting portion (520) of the staple driver (500) may similarly include a forward support column segment and rearward support column segment that is spaced from the forward support column segment. When the staple supporting portion (520) is received on the base portion (502), the forward support column segments serve to form a forward column portion and the reward column segments form a rearward column portion. A forward staple receiving groove (526) is formed in the forward support column segment and a rearward staple receiving groove (528) is formed in the rearward support column segment. The forward staple receiving groove (526) and the rearward staple receiving groove (528) serve to support a staple (983) therein as illustrated in
FIG. 22 . The rib and the forward column and rearward column may cooperate with corresponding channels (not shown) in the staple cartridge body (985) to provide lateral support to the staple driver (500) while permitting the driver to be driven upward within the cartridge body (985) during the firing process. - In various embodiments, a resistive attachment structure is provided to support the staple supporting portion (520) in a first uncompressed or uncollapsed orientation relative to the base portion prior to encountering any compressive forces during the firing operation and to permit the staple supporting portion (520) and the base portion to move towards each other (collapse or compress) in response to the magnitude of the compression forces applied to the staple supporting portion (520) and base portion (520) during the staple firing operation. As can be seen in
FIGS. 21 and 22 , the resistive attachment structure in various embodiments may comprise a pair of attachment rods (540) that protrude from the bottom of the staple supporting portion (520) and correspond to holes or apertures (542) in the base portion (502). The rods (540) are sized and shaped relative to the holes (542) to establish an interference fit or “light press fit” (i.e., an interference of approximately 0.001 inches) therebetween such that when the staple supporting portion (520) and base driver portion (502) are compressed together during the staple firing operation as will be discussed in further detail below, the staple supporting portion (520) and the base portion (502) can compress toward each other to reduce the overall height of the staple driver (500) in relation to the amount of compression force encountered during the firing process. In various embodiments, for example, the staple supporting portion (520) and base portion (520) may be fabricated from the same material such as, for example, plastic material such as ULTEM®. In other embodiments, the base portion (502) and the staple supporting portion (520) may be fabricated from different materials. For example, staple supporting portion (520) may be fabricated from ULTEM® and base portion (502) may be fabricated from glass or mineral filled ULTEM®. However, other materials could also be employed. For example, the base portion (502) could be fabricated fromNylon 6/6 orNylon 6/12. - In various embodiments, a frictional or an interference fit of approximately 0.001 inch may be established between the attachment rods (540) and their corresponding holes (542). However, other degrees of interference fit may be employed to attain the desired amount and rate of driver compression in proportion to the magnitude of compression forces encountered when stapling a particular type/thickness of tissue. For example, in one embodiment, the degree of interference fit between the attachment rods (540) and their respective holes (542) may be approximately 0.002 to 0.005 inches for stapling tissues wherein it is anticipated that compression forces on the order of 2-5 pounds may be generated during the firing operation.
-
FIG. 22 illustrates various ranges of travel and compression that the staple drivers (500) may experience when encountering tissues of varying thicknesses. More specifically,FIG. 22 illustrates a portion of tissue (560) clamped between the upper surface (943 h) of the staple cartridge (942 h) and the staple forming undersurface (960 h) of the anvil (920 h). As illustrated inFIG. 22 , the tissue (560) has three thicknesses. The thickest portion of tissue is designated as (562) and comprises the portion of tissue that is on the right side of the Figure. The next thickness portion of tissue is designated as (564) and the thinnest portion of tissue (560) is designated as (566) and is on the left side of the Figure. For the purposes of this explanation, the staple driver associated with tissue portion (562) is designated as staple driver (500 a). The staple driver associated with tissue portion (564) is designated as staple driver (500 b) and the staple driver associated with tissue portion (566) is designated as (500 c). It will be understood that staple drivers (500 a, 500 b, 500 c), may be identical in construction to staple driver (500) as described above. - Turning to staple driver (500 a) first, as the staple driver (500 a) is driven upwardly towards the staple forming undersurface (960 h) of the anvil (920 h) by the wedge sled (not shown in
FIG. 22 ), it encounters the thick tissue portion (562) which resists the upward movement of the staple driver (500 a). Such resistive force (represented by arrow 570) opposes the drive force (represented by arrow 572) generated by the wedge sled and serves to overcome the amount of interference established between the attachment rods (540) and their respective holes (542) and forces the rods (540) deeper into their respective holes (542) to thereby permit the staple supporting portion (520 a) of the staple driver (500 a) and base portion (502 a) to move toward each other. This movement of the staple supporting portion (520 a) and base portion (502 a) towards each other under a compressive force generated during the staple firing operation is referred to herein as “collapsing” or “compressing”. When in the completely compressed position wherein the staple supporting portion (520 a) is received on the ledge (514 a) of the base portion (502 a), the staple supporting ledges (526 a, 528 a) on the staple supporting portion (520 a) may preferably support the bottom cross member (989) of the staple (983) above the upper surface (943 h) of the staple cartridge (942 h) to avoid catching the staple (983) on the staple cartridge (942 h) when the staple applying assembly (16 h) is withdrawn. The compressed height of the staple driver (500 a) is designated byarrow 574 inFIG. 22 . - Turning next to staple driver (500 b) which corresponds to tissue portion (564), because the tissue portion (564) is not as thick as tissue portion (562), the resistive force (570 b) encountered by the staple driver (500 b) during the firing operation is not as great as resistive force (570). Therefore, the attachment pins (540 b) of staple driver (500 b) are not advanced into their respective holes (542 b) as far as the pins (540) of staple driver (500 a) were advanced into their respective holes (542). Thus, the compressed height (576) of staple driver (500 b) is greater than the compressed height (574) of staple driver (500 a). As can also be seen in
FIG. 22 , the bottom portion (989) of the staple (983) supported in staple driver (500 b) is supported above the upper surface (943 h) of the staple cartridge (942 h). - Staple driver (500 c) is associated with the thinnest tissue portion (566). Thus, the resistive force (570 c) encountered by the staple driver (500 c) during the staple firing operation is less than the resistive force (570 b) that was encountered by staple driver (500 b). Thus, the pins (540 c) of staple driver (500 c) are not advanced into their respective holes (542 c) as far as the pins (540 b) of staple driver (500 b) were advanced into their respective holes (542 b). Thus, the compressed height (578) of staple driver (500 c) is greater than the compressed height (576) of staple driver (500 b).
- As can be further seen in
FIG. 22 , because the compressed height (578) of staple driver (500 c) is greater than the compressed height (576) of staple driver (500 b), the staple (983 c) supported by staple driver (500 c) was compressed to a greater extent than the staple (983 b) that was supported by staple driver (500 b). Thus, the formed height of staple (983 c) is less than the formed height of staple (983 b) which is less than the formed height of staple (983 a) as illustrated inFIG. 22 . - Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the number, shape, composition and size of the attachment rods and their respective holes can vary from embodiment to embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such interrelationship between the attachment rods and their respective holes serves to establish an amount of frictional interference therebetween which can be overcome in relation to various compression forces encountered when clamping/stapling different thicknesses of tissue. In an alternative version, the attachment to rods (540) may be formed on the base portion (502) and the holes provided in the staple supporting portion (520).
-
FIGS. 23-24 illustrate another unique and novel endocutter implement portion of various embodiments of the present invention that includes an elongate channel and an anvil arrangement (1050 e) that are “self adjusting” with respect to tissue thickness. In various embodiments, the proximal end of the anvil (1050 e) is pivotally attached to the proximal end of the elongate channel by mounting members which may comprise trunnions movably received in corresponding elongate slots formed in the proximal end of the elongate channel.FIG. 23 also illustrates the position of the anvil (1050 e) relative to the staple cartridge (942) and tissue (1092) that has a thickness “t”.FIG. 24 also illustrates the anvil (1050 e) relative to the staple cartridge (942) and tissue (1094) that has a thickness “T”. As can be seen inFIGS. 23 and 24 , the staples (983) in the thinner tissue (1092) are more tightly formed than the staples (983) extending through the thicker tissue (1094). - As can be seen in
FIG. 25 , the adjustment shaft (1650) has a distal portion (1651) that is attached to the top and bottom tension bands (1636, 1638) and a proximal portion (1652) that is adjoined to the distal portion (1651) by a reduced diameter segment (1653). The proximal portion (1652) is axially received within an axial passage (1722) in the distal closure nut (1720) that is keyed onto or otherwise attached to a proximal closure nut (1740) to form a closure nut assembly generally designated as (1721) such that the distal closure nut (1720) and the proximal closure nut (1740) may rotate together. The distal closure nut (1720) may further have a distally extending hub portion (1724) that abuts an inwardly extending retainer flange (1667) formed inside the handle assembly (1660). Such arrangement permits the distal closure nut (1720) to freely rotate within the handle assembly (1660), but is unable to move axially therewithin. Likewise, the proximal end portion (1652) of the adjustment shaft (1650) is axially received within an axial passage (1742) within the proximal closure nut (1740). A circumferentially extending groove (1744) may be provided in the outer surface of the proximal closure nut (1740) for receiving an inwardly protruding proximal retainer flange (1669) formed on the proximal end of the handle assembly (1660). Such arrangement serves to permit the proximal closure nut (1740) to freely rotate relative to the handle assembly (1660). - Also in various embodiments, the closure knob assembly (1800) is attached to the proximal end (1741) of the proximal closure nut (1740). In one embodiment for example, the proximal end (1741) of the proximal closure nut (1740) may be formed with a proximally extending tapered hub portion (1746) that is adapted to be nonrotatably received in an axial passage (1832) in a clutch hub portion (1830). The tapered hub portion (1746) also be formed with a key or spline arrangement to non-rotatably affix the hub portion (1746) with the clutch hub portion (1830). Other fastener arrangements and methods may be employed to non-movably attach the hub portion (1746) of the proximal closure nut (1740) to the clutch hub portion (1830). Thus, rotation of the clutch hub portion (1830) will cause the proximal closure nut (1740) and distal closure nut (1720) to also rotate.
- As can also be seen in
FIGS. 25, 27, and 28 , the knob assembly (1800) may further include a proximal cap portion (1810) and a distal cap portion (1820). The proximal end (1831) of the clutch hub portion may be received in a circular slot (1814) formed in a distal end of the proximal cap portion (1810). The slot (1814) may be sized to permit the proximal cap portion (1810) to rotate about the proximal end (1831) of the clutch hub portion (1830). In addition, the proximal cap portion (1810) may have a protrusion (1812) that rotatably extends into the axial passage (1832) in the clutch hub portion (1830). Also in various embodiments, the closure knob assembly (1800) may comprise a distal cap portion (1820) that is rigidly and non-rotatably coupled to the proximal cap portion (1810). Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the closure knob assembly (1800) may be fabricated in multiple parts for ease of assembly of various components of the instrument. In various embodiments, the mating ends of the proximal cap portion (1810) and distal cap portion (1820) may be configured with complementary flanged portions (1813, 1823), respectively as shown inFIGS. 25 and 27 , that are interconnected by adhesive, welding, etc. or other fastener arrangements may be employed. Thus, when fastened together, the proximal cap portion (1810) and the distal cap portion (1820) rotate together as a unit. - As can further be seen in
FIGS. 25 and 27 , various embodiments may comprise a slip clutch assembly generally designated as (1821). The slip clutch assembly (1821) may take various forms that are supported by or are integrally formed in the adjustment knob assembly (1800). In one embodiment, for example, the distal cap portion (1820) may be provided with an inwardly extending cap flange (1824) that is in confronting orientation with an outwardly extending clutch flange (1834) formed on the clutch hub portion (1830). A first friction pad (1840) is non-rotatably affixed to the inwardly extending cap flange (1824). A pad cavity (1836) may be formed within the clutch flange (1834) for movably receiving a second friction pad (1850) and a wave spring (1852) therein. The second friction pad (1850) may be provided with splines or keys (not shown) to prevent rotation thereof in the cavity (1836), but facilitate some axial travel thereof within the cavity (1836). In various embodiments, the first and second friction pads (1840, 1850) may be fabricated from, for example, liquid crystal polymer, Nylon, ULTEM®, polycarbonate, aluminum, etc. - In various embodiments, the proximal portion (1652) of the adjustment shaft (1650) has a low pitch thread segment (1654) formed therein that communicates with a higher pitched threaded segment (1657). As can be seen in
FIG. 25 , a drive pin (1726) protrudes inwardly into the axial passage (1722) for “driving” engagement with the threaded segments (1654, 1657) in the adjustment shaft (1650). In addition, the proximal end (1652) of the adjustment shaft (1650) has a threaded section (1658) adapted for threaded engagement with a threaded cavity (1748) in the tapered hub portion (1746) of the proximal closure nut (1740). In various embodiments, the drive pin (1726) is oriented in the distal closure nut (1720) such that when the drive pin (1726) is still engaged with the low pitched distal thread segment (1654) of the adjustment shaft (1650), the threaded end (1658) of the adjustment shaft (1650) has sufficiently threadedly engaged the threaded cavity (1748) in the tapered hub portion (1746) of the proximal closure nut (1740) for threaded travel therein as the closure knob assembly (1800) is rotated. In particular, as the closure knob assembly (1800) is rotated in the counterclockwise (“CC”) direction, the adjustment shaft (1650) is moved in the distal direction (“DD”) by virtue of the engagement of the drive pin (1726) with the threaded segments (1654 and 1657) formed in the attachment rod (1650). Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that rotation of the distal closure nut (1720) when the drive pin (1726) is engaged with the distal threaded segment (1654) will result in fastener axial movement of the adjustment shaft (1650) than when the drive rod (1726) is engaged with the threaded segment (1567) which has a larger pitch than the threaded segment (1564). Axial movement of the adjustment shaft (1650) moves the top and bottom tension bands (1636, 1638), the trocar tip (1644) and the anvil (1700) (when attached to the trocar tip (1644) in the distal (“DD”) direction away from the head (1610). - To close the anvil (1700) or move it toward the head (1610) and staple cartridge (1616) supported therein in the (“PD”) direction, the surgeon begins to turn the closure knob assembly (1800) in the clockwise (“CW”) direction. The frictional forces generated between the first and second friction pads (1840, 1850) serves to retain the closure knob assembly (1800) in frictional engagement with the clutch hub (1830) which is non-rotatably attached to the proximal closure nut (1740). Because the proximal closure nut (1740) is non-rotatably affixed to the distal closure nut (1720), the distal closure nut (1720) is also rotated in the clockwise direction. Rotation of the distal closure nut (1720) results in the driving engagement of the drive pin (1726) with either of the thread segments (1654, 1657) (depending upon the position of the adjustment shaft (1650) relative thereto) and causes the adjustment shaft (1650) to be drawn in the proximal direction (“PD”). As the adjustment shaft (1650) is drawn in the proximal direction, the threaded end (1658) of the adjustment shaft (1650) threadably engages the threaded cavity (1748) of the tapered threaded hub portion (1746) of the proximal closure nut (1740) and reduced diameter segment (1653) moves adjacent to the drive pin such that the drive pin is no longer in driving engagement with the adjustment shaft (1650). Now, the threaded end (1652) is in full threaded engagement with the threaded hole (1748) in the proximal closure nut (1740). Further rotation of the closure knob assembly (1800) in the clockwise direction continues to draw the adjustment shaft (1650) in the proximal direction (“PD”). As the adjustment shaft (1650) is drawn in the proximal direction, the anvil (1700) is moved towards the cartridge (1616) supported in the staple driver assembly (1614) to clamp an amount of tissue therebetween. As the anvil (1700) continues to move toward the staple cartridge (1616), the tissue is compressed therebetween and resists further travel of the anvil (1700) in the proximal direction.
- In various embodiments, to prevent the tissue from being over compressed which could result in damaging or killing the tissue to be stapled, the composition of the first and second friction pads (1840, 1850) and the size of the spring (1852) are selected such that when a predetermined amount of tissue compression is attained, the friction pads (1840, 1850) begin to slip to prevent further rotation of the closure knob assembly (1800) from being transferred to the clutch hub (1830). Thus, even if the surgeon continues to rotate the closure knob assembly (1800) after the tissue has been adequately compressed, such further rotation will not result in continued movement of the adjustment shaft (1650) (and anvil (1700)) in the proximal direction to avoid over compressing the tissue. For example, in various embodiments, the instrument may be constructed such that the maximum amount of compression forces that may be applied to the tissue between the anvil (1700) and the cartridge (1616) may be approximately 150 pounds per square inch. For such applications, the first and second friction pads (1840, 1850) and the wave spring (1852) may be so configured to permit slippage between the first and second friction pads (1840, 1850) if the closure knob assembly (1800) continues to be rotated after that maximum amount of compression force has been attained. In such example, the rotation of the closure knob assembly (1800) may generate an approximate amount of torque of, for example, 15 inch pounds which overcomes the frictional forces that are established when the maximum amount of desirable compression has been attained (which serves to retain the first and second friction pads (1840, 1850) in frictional engagement with each other) and permit the desired slippage between the first and second friction pads. In various embodiments, to ensure that the adjustment shaft (1650) is moved distally when the closure knob assembly (1800) is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, a series of circumferentially extending ratchet teeth (1816) may be formed in the interior of the closure knob assembly (1800) for engagement with circumferentially extending engagement teeth (1835) formed on the circumference of the clutch flange (1834). See
FIGS. 27 and 28 . The teeth (1816, 1835) may be configured such that when the closure knob assembly (1800) is rotated in the clockwise direction to move the anvil (1700) toward the cartridge (1616), the teeth (1816) on the closure knob assembly (1800) slip over the teeth (1835) formed on the clutch flange (1834). However, when the closure knob assembly (1800) is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the teeth (1816) engage teeth (1845) on the clutch flange (1834) to cause the clutch hub (1830) and the proximal and distal closure nuts (1720, 1740) to rotate therewith to move the anvil (1700) away from the cartridge (1616). - As indicated above, various embodiments may be provided with a safety yoke (1670) that prevents actuation of the trigger assembly (1664) when the safety yoke (1670) is in a “safe” or engaged position. In various embodiments, a safety spring (1686) may be journaled on the adjustment shaft (1650) and be received on the hub portion (1724) of the distal closure nut (1720). The spring (1686) may be oriented between the distal closure nut (1720) and an upstanding end wall portion (1688) of the safety release (1684). See
FIG. 25 . The safety spring (1686) serves to bias the safety release (1684) in the distal direction and into contact with the safety yoke (1670) to prevent the safety yoke from being pivoted to an off position wherein the trigger (1664) may be actuated. Also in these variations, a rod clip (1690) may be attached to the adjustment shaft (1650) by and adjusting screw (1692) that extends through a slot (not shown) in the rod clip (1690). The rod clip (1690) may be so located on the adjustment shaft (1650) such that when the adjustment shaft (1650) has been axially positioned in its most proximal position which results in the maximum amount of desirable compression being applied to the tissue or in a position wherein the anvil (1700) has begun to clamp the tissue, but has not yet attained the predetermined maximum amount of compression force, the rod clip (1690) has contacted the upstanding end wall (1688) and moved it proximally a sufficient distance to move the distal end (1685) of the safety release (1684) out of retaining engagement with the safety yoke (1670). The surgeon may then pivot the safety yoke (1670) to the off position thereby enabling the trigger (1664) to be depressed. - In various embodiments, the amount of spring load (“L1”) necessary to attain a minimum amount of tissue compression (“Min”) may be determined as well as the amount of spring load “(L2”) required to attain a maximum amount of tissue compression (“Max”) may also be determined. In addition, the distance “D1” that the proximal cap portion must be rotated from the neutral position to generate spring load L1 and the distance “D2” that the proximal cap portion must be rotated to generate spring load “L2” may be determined. The graph depicted in
FIG. 29 illustrates an example of a relationship between these parameters. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such relationships may change depending upon the spring used and various other factors such as, for example, frictional forces encountered by the moving components of the device. - Similarly, at least some of the teachings herein may be readily combined with one or more teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/693,430, entitled “Trans-Oral Circular Anvil Introduction System with Dilation Feature,” filed Dec. 4, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,572,573, issued Feb. 21, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Various suitable ways in which such teachings may be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- Similarly, at least some of the teachings herein may be readily combined with one or more teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/688,951, entitled “Surgical Staple with Integral Pledget for Tip Deflection,” filed Nov. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,289,207, issued Mar. 22, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Various suitable ways in which such teachings may be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- Similarly, at least some of the teachings herein may be readily combined with one or more teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/706,827, entitled “Surgical Stapler with Varying Staple Widths Along Different Circumferences,” filed Dec. 6, 2012, now abandoned, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Various suitable ways in which such teachings may be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- Similarly, at least some of the teachings herein may be readily combined with one or more teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/688,992, entitled “Pivoting Anvil for Surgical Circular Stapler,” filed Nov. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,498,222, issued Nov. 22, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Various suitable ways in which such teachings may be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- As described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/688,992 and as shown in
FIGS. 30A-30C , an exemplary first tilting anvil (740) includes anvil head (748) and a proximal shaft (742) extending proximally from anvil head (748). Proximal shaft (742) is attachable to trocar (38) in a manner as described above with respect to proximal shaft (42) or as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Proximal shaft (742) comprises a flexible material, a rigid material, or any suitable material as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Anvil head (748) is similar to anvil head (48), described above, and includes a plurality of staple forming pockets (not shown) formed in a proximal face (750) of anvil head (748). Anvil head (748) operates with staples (66) in a similar manner as described above for anvil head (48). - Anvil head (748) is linked to proximal shaft (742). Proximal shaft (742) includes link (754) and shaft portion (756). Link (754) and shaft portion (756) are linked together via linking pivot (758). Link (754) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of linking pivot (758). Anvil head (748) is linked to link (754) via head pivot (752). Anvil head (748) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of head pivot (752) in the direction of arrow (A), as shown in
FIG. 30B . Link (754) of proximal shaft (742) is rotatable about linking pivot (758) in the direction of arrow (B), as shown inFIG. 30C . Head pivot (752), and other pivots of the present disclosure, may be comprised of, for example, pins received through channels or other suitable structures as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. - As shown in
FIG. 30B , driver rod (753) is disposed and translatable within proximal shaft (742). When driver rod (753) is advanced to a distal position, driver rod (753) engages an off-center point of proximal face (750) of anvil (740) with sufficient force to tilt anvil head (748) about head pivot (752) in the direction of arrow (A). Driver rod (753) keeps anvil head (748) in the tilted position while driver rod (753) is in the distal position. In some versions, driver rod (753) is retracted proximally before link (754) rotates about linking pivot (758) as shown inFIG. 30C . In some other versions, driver rod (753) stays in the distal position when link (754) rotates about linking pivot (758). It should therefore be understood that driver rod (753) may either proximally terminate distal to linking pivot (758); or driver rod may flex through linking pivot (758). - In some versions, the longitudinal position of driver rod (753) relative to anvil head (748) is based on the position of anvil (740) in relation to stapling head assembly (20). For instance, driver rod (753) may be configured to remain in the distal position whenever anvil (740) is decoupled from trocar (38) of stapling head assembly (20). In some such versions, driver rod (753) may automatically retract proximally upon coupling anvil (740) with trocar (38). Alternatively, driver rod (753) may be configured to remain in the distal position even after anvil (740) is coupled with trocar (38), when anvil (740) is still spaced significantly from stapling head assembly (20) (e.g., before anvil (740) is drawn toward stapling head assembly (20) by trocar (38) to clamp tissue between anvil (740) and stapling head assembly (20), etc.). In some such versions, a feature in anvil (740) and/or a feature in stapling head assembly (20) may be configured to retract driver rod (753) proximally, thereby allowing anvil head (748) to pivot to the position shown in
FIG. 30A , when anvil (740) is retracted within a certain distance relative to stapling head assembly (20). For instance, a camming feature of proximal shaft (742) may interact with a complementary feature of stapling head assembly (20) when proximal shaft (742) is retracted to a certain position within stapling head assembly (20). Instead of automating the retraction of driver rod (753), a separate actuator may extend along shaft assembly (60) to actuator handle assembly (70), enabling the operator to selectively advance/retract driver rod (753) independently. As still another variation, driver rod (753) may be integral with shaft portion (756), and the combination of driver rod (753) and shaft portion (756) may selectively slide relative to link (754) and pivot (758) to selectively advance/retract driver rod (753). As yet another merely illustrative example, an electromechanical feature (e.g., solenoid, etc.) may be used to selectively advance/retract driver rod (753) in an automated fashion or in a manual/independent fashion. Other suitable ways in which driver rod (753) may be actuated will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. - In use, anvil (740) is inserted into an interior lumen of tissue (2) in an anvil inserting direction. For instance, anvil (740) may be inserted trans-orally into esophagus (4) of a patient. Before anvil (740) is inserted, a portion of esophagus (4) may be resected and removed (e.g., using an endocutter type of linear cutting/stapling device), resulting in separation of upper esophagus (4A) from lower esophagus (4B). Anvil (740) may be fed down upper esophagus (4A) until it reaches the bottom end of upper esophagus (4A), where instrument (10) may be used to join upper esophagus (4A) and lower esophagus (4B) through an end-to-end anastomosis (6). Anvil (740) may be in positions shown in
FIG. 30B or 30C while being inserted, for example, and prior to shaft portion (756) being secured to a trocar of a stapling head assembly, such as in the manner described above to attach anvil (40) to trocar (38) and stapling head assembly (20). In some versions, conventional surgical graspers are inserted through esophagus (4) to grasp shaft portion (756) and thereby pull anvil (740) to the anastomosis site via upper esophagus (4A). - Anvil (740) may be straightened into a position as shown in
FIG. 30A prior to interacting with stapling head assembly (20) as described above. Stapling head assembly (20) is advanced toward anvil (740) through lower esophagus (4B) in a stapling direction that is opposite the anvil inserting direction. Shaft portion (756) is then coupled with trocar (38). The force deployed by the firing and stapling system as described above may straighten anvil (740) and shaft portion (756) into the position shown inFIG. 30A (for example, when instrument (10) clamps tissue between stapling head assembly (20) and anvil head (748)). The positions will be described further below with respect to a retraction of anvil (740). Anvil (740) may then be used as described above to staple tissue (2) with staples (66).FIG. 30A shows a position after which anvil (740) has been used to staple tissue (2) with staples (66), and after which knife (36) has severed tissue, thereby creating a secure anastomosis (6). - To retract anvil (740), driver rod (753) is distally advanced, causing anvil head (748) to pivot about head pivot (752) in the direction of arrow (A) shown in
FIG. 30B . Remaining in an extended position, driver rod (753) assists to maintain anvil head (748) in the first flipped or tilted position shown inFIG. 30B in a manner as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, driver rod (753) may contain a laterally offset portion (not shown) that abuts against proximal face (750) when driver rod (753) is in the extended position. The laterally offset portion thus prevents anvil head (748) from rotating back to the position of anvil head (748) shown inFIG. 30A . - Shaft portion (756) is proximally retracted along the direction of arrow (C) to retract anvil (740) through the lumen defined by tissue (2) (such as the esophagus (4)). Load on anvil head (748) from this retraction may provide the pivoting at linking pivot (758). For example, anvil head (748) may abut inner surface walls of tissue (2), causing link (754) to pivot about linking pivot (758) at angles of from about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees with respect to shaft portion (756) as anvil (740) is retracted proximally. Further, anvil head (748) is pivoted about head pivot (752) such that anvil head (748) may be retracted within an internal passageway of tissue (2) with minimal interaction with the inner surface walls of tissue (2). In other words, the above-described tilting and pivoting may prevent the outer edge of anvil head (748) from scraping against the inner wall of esophagus as anvil (740) is transported through esophagus. In the position shown in
FIG. 30C , for example, link (754) is tilted with respect to shaft portion (756) and anvil head (748) is tilted with respect to link (754) into a retraction position. A plane of anvil head (748) depicted as plane (PP) inFIG. 30C defines an acute angle with longitudinal axis (LLA) of shaft portion (756) of proximal shaft (742), with vertex (VV) of the angle being positioned lower than head pivot (752). In the retraction position, a retraction of anvil (740) in the direction of arrow (C) substantially avoids snagging a lowermost portion of anvil head (748), disposed closest to linking pivot (758), with an interior surface of tissue (2), and particularly with edges of anastomosis (6) that are shown as stapled together via staples (66). - Driver rod (753) may remain extended during retraction of anvil (740) as described above. Further, anvil head (748) may be lockable at either the position shown in
FIG. 30B or the position shown inFIG. 30C to ease extraction of anvil head (748) from anastomosis (6) to reduce anastomosis trauma during the retraction of anvil (740). For example, an internal projection in link (754) may be received in an internal notch in shaft portion (756) laterally offset from linking pivot (758) and disposed at a location to lock link (754) at a desired tilting angle with respect to shaft portion (756). By way of example only, shaft portion (756) may selectively slide relative to link (754) and pivot (758) to selectively lock the tilted angle of link (754) at pivot (758). - In some versions, anvil head (748) is resiliently biased to tilt to the position shown in
FIGS. 30B and 30C . In such versions, driver rod (753) may be omitted (or still be included). In addition or in the alternative, link (754) may be resiliently biased to tilt to the position shown inFIG. 30C . Various suitable ways in which such biases may be provided will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should also be understood that, in such versions, link (754) and anvil head (748) may eventually tilt to the positions shown inFIG. 30A once anvil (740) is coupled with trocar (38) and anvil (740) is retracted toward stapling head assembly (20). In other words, the internal axial passageway within stapling head assembly (20) may straighten link (754) and the distal face of stapling head assembly (20) may straighten anvil head (748). Other suitable ways in which an anvil may include a multi-pivot shaft will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. -
FIGS. 31-32 show an exemplary second tilting anvil (840) including anvil head (848) and a proximal shaft (842) extending proximally from anvil head (848). Proximal shaft (842) is attachable to trocar (38) in a manner as described above with respect to proximal shaft (42) or as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Proximal shaft (842) comprises a flexible material, a rigid material, or any suitable material as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Anvil head (848) is similar to anvil head (48), described above, and includes a plurality of staple forming pockets (not shown) formed in a proximal face (850) of anvil head (848). Anvil head (848) operates with staples (66) in a similar manner as described above for anvil head (48). - Anvil head (848) includes linking connector (851), which connects anvil head (848) to proximal shaft (842). Anvil head (848) is linked to proximal shaft (842) via off-set head pivot (852). Anvil head (848) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of head pivot (852) in the direction of arrow (D), as shown in
FIG. 32 . Driver rod (853) is disposed and translatable within proximal shaft (842) in a manner similar to that described for driver rod (753). Proximal shaft (842) includes a first portion (854) in which driver rod (853) is disposed and a second portion (856) extending laterally from a distal end of first portion (854) of proximal shaft (842). Head pivot (852) is disposed in second portion (856) and is off-set from the longitudinal axis of first portion (854). Head pivot (852) connects linking connector (851) of anvil head (848) to second portion (856) of proximal shaft (842), such that linking connector (851) and anvil head (848) are rotatable relative to second portion (856) about a longitudinal axis of head pivot (852). - In use, anvil (840) is inserted into an interior lumen of tissue (2) (e.g., upper esophagus (4A), etc.) in an anvil inserting direction in a manner similar to that described above for anvil (740). Anvil (840) may be in a position shown in
FIG. 32 while being inserted, for example. When proximal shaft (842) is coupled with trocar (38), the clamping of tissue between stapling head assembly (20) and anvil (340) will straighten anvil (840) before a firing actuation as described above. Thus, the force deployed by the firing and stapling system as described above will straighten anvil (840) into the position shown inFIG. 31 . Anvil (840) may then be used as described above to staple interior surfaces of tissue (2).FIG. 31 shows a position after which anvil (840) has been used to staple interior surfaces of a lumen of tissue (2) with staples (66) to create anastomosis (6). - To retract anvil (840), driver rod (853) is distally advanced, causing anvil head (848) to pivot about head pivot (852) in the direction of arrow (D) shown in
FIG. 32 . Driver rod (853) may remain advanced to assist in maintaining anvil head (748) in the tilted position shown inFIG. 32 . Because second portion (856) is laterally off-set from first portion (854), anvil head (848) is able to rotate about head pivot (852) into a position in which anvil head (848) is at an obtuse angle with respect to a starting position of anvil head (848). In particular, anvil head (848) rotates more than 90 degrees with respect to proximal shaft (842) in the present example. A plane of anvil head (848) depicted as plane (P) inFIG. 32 defines an acute angle with longitudinal axis (LA) of proximal shaft (842), with the vertex (V) of the angle being at a position that is lower than head pivot (852). Thus, once flipped, a proximal end of anvil head (848) is disposed below second portion (856) and between ends of second portion (856) and first portion (854) of proximal shaft (842). - Anvil head (848) may be lockable at the obliquely angled position of
FIG. 32 to ease extraction of anvil head (848) from anastomosis (6) in a manner similar to that described above to lock anvil head (748) as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, a projection on an interior surface of linking connector (851) may advance until receipt in a complementary notch disposed in an interior surface of second portion (856). Additionally or alternatively, a laterally projecting portion of drive rod (853) may be received into a notch disposed in an underside of linking connector (851). Other suitable ways in which drive rod (853) may be selectively locked in the distal position shown inFIG. 32 (or at least resiliently biased to the distal position shown inFIG. 32 ) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. - First portion (854) is proximally retracted downwardly through esophagus (4) to retract anvil (840) from esophagus (4) in a manner as described above. Load on anvil head (848) from this retraction may cause proximal shaft (842) to tilt in a direction opposite arrow (D) while within esophagus (4), such that longitudinal axis (LA) of proximal shaft (842) is tilted relative to the axis of esophagus (4). With anvil head (848) and proximal shaft (842) tilted (as shown in
FIG. 32 ), anvil head (848) may be retracted downwardly esophagus (4) with minimal interaction between the outer edge of anvil head (848) and the inner surface walls of esophagus (4). In other words, the above-described tilting and pivoting may prevent the outer edge of anvil head (848) from scraping against the inner wall of esophagus as anvil (840) is transported through esophagus. - Similarly, at least some of the teachings herein may be readily combined with one or more teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/693,455, entitled “Circular Anvil Introduction System with Alignment Feature,” filed Dec. 4, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Various suitable ways in which such teachings may be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- Similarly, at least some of the teachings herein may be readily combined with one or more teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/716,313, entitled “Circular Stapler with Selectable Motorized and Manual Control, Including a Control Ring,” filed on Dec. 17, 2012, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,532,783 on Jan. 3, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Various suitable ways in which such teachings may be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- Similarly, at least some of the teachings herein may be readily combined with one or more teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/716,318, entitled “Motor Driven Rotary Input Circular Stapler with Modular End Effector,” filed on Dec. 17, 2012, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,597,081 on Mar. 21, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Various suitable ways in which such teachings may be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- As described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/716,318,
FIGS. 33-40 show various features that are used to drive stapling head assembly (440) of the present example. In particular, these features include a first rotary drive element (450), a second rotary drive element (460), a drive nut (470), and a clamping driver (480). These components (450, 460, 470, 480) are coaxially aligned with drive shaft (432) and are all housed within a cartridge housing (600), which will be described in greater detail below. As can also be seen inFIG. 33 , stapling head assembly (440) includes staple deck (442), a staple driver (443), and a cylindraceous knife (445). Staple driver (443) is operable to translate distally to drive staples (not shown) through openings in staple deck (442) and into staple forming pockets of proximal face (496) of anvil (490). Knife (445) translates distally with staple driver (443), thereby cutting tissue at substantially the same time that the adjacent tissue is being stapled. - As best seen in
FIGS. 35-36 , first rotary drive element (450) defines a bore (452) and includes a proximal set of inner splines (454). The diameter of bore (452) increases distal to inner splines (454), such that first rotary drive element (450) includes a distally facing annular shoulder (456). First rotary drive element (450) also includes a threaded opening (458) that extends transversely from the exterior of first rotary drive element (450) into bore (452). As shown inFIG. 34 , the distal end of drive shaft (432) includes a set of outer splines (434) that complement inner splines (454) of first rotary drive element (450). Thus, when splines (434, 454) are at a common longitudinal position, rotation of drive shaft (432) rotates first rotary drive element (450). In the present example, splines (434, 454) are at a common longitudinal position when drive shaft (432) is in a proximal position. When drive shaft (432) is driven to a distal position (e.g., by sliding control ring (416) distally), splines (434, 435) disengage such that rotation of drive shaft (432) will not rotate first rotary drive element (450). As shown inFIGS. 34-36 , splines (434, 454) have complementary tapered ends to promote positioning of splines (434) in the interstices between splines (454) when drive shaft (432) is translated back from the distal position to the proximal position. - As best seen in
FIG. 37 , second rotary drive element (460) of the present example defines an inner bore (462), includes outer threading (464) at its distal end, and includes a necked-down proximal portion (466). A threaded opening (468) extends transversely from the exterior of second rotary drive element (460) into bore (462). Proximal portion (466) is configured to slidably fit within bore (462) of first rotary drive element (450). In particular, threaded openings (458, 468) align with each other when proximal portion (466) is disposed in bore (452), and a set screw is secured in threaded openings (458, 468) to secure first and second rotary drive elements (450, 460) together. First and second rotary drive elements (450, 460) will thus rotate together unitarily. - As best seen in
FIG. 38 , drive nut (470) of the present example defines an inner bore (472), includes an inner threading (474), and includes an outer keyway (476). Bore (472) is configured to receive the distal end of second rotary drive element (460). In particular, threading (464) meshes with threading (474). Outer keyway (476) receives a key (606) that extends inwardly from cartridge housing (600) (as shown inFIG. 33 ). The relationship between keyway (476) and key (606) prevents drive nut (470) from rotating relative to cartridge housing (600); but permits drive nut (470) to translate relative to cartridge housing (600). It should therefore be understood that, when drive shaft (432) and rotary drive elements (450, 460) rotate together, the relationship between threading (464, 474) will cause drive nut (470) to translate distally or proximally within cartridge housing (600), depending on the direction in which drive shaft (432) and rotary drive elements (450, 460) are rotated. Staple driver (443) and knife (445) are fixedly secured to drive nut (470) in this example, such that staple driver (443) and knife (445) translate unitarily with drive nut (470) relative to staple deck (442) and relative to cartridge housing (600). It should therefore be understood that, when drive shaft (432) is at a proximal position and is rotated, such rotation will drive staple driver (443) and knife (445) distally or proximally relative to staple deck (442) and relative to cartridge housing (600), depending on the direction of rotation. - As best seen in
FIG. 39 , clamping driver (480) of the present example comprises a shaft (482) with threading (484) at the distal end of shaft (482). Clamping driver (480) also includes a proximal drive feature (486), an annular flange (488), and a thrust bearing (489) that is positioned about shaft (482) and distal to annular flange (488). As best seen inFIGS. 41A-41D , shaft (482) extends longitudinally through bores (452, 462, 472) to reach trocar (444). As best seen inFIG. 40 , the proximal end of trocar (444) includes a threaded opening (446). Threaded opening (446) is configured to receive the distal end of shaft (482), thereby meshing with threading (484). Trocar (444) is operable to translate relative to cartridge housing (600) but not rotate relative to cartridge housing (600). Thus, trocar (444) will translate relative to cartridge housing (600) in response to rotation of clamping driver (480) relative to cartridge housing (600), due to interaction between threading (484) and threaded opening (446). As can also be seen inFIGS. 41A-41D , flange (488) and thrust bearing (489) are captured between shoulder (456) of first rotary drive element (450) and the proximal end (466) of second rotary drive element (460), such that rotary drive elements (450, 460) prevent clamping driver (480) from moving longitudinally. - Proximal drive feature (486) has a hexagonal cross-section in this example, and is thus configured to complement a hexagonal recess (436) formed at the distal end of drive shaft (432) as shown in
FIG. 34 . While hexagonal shapes are used in the present example, it should be understood that any other suitable shape may be used, including but not limited to rectangular, semicircular, triangular, elliptical, etc. When drive shaft (432) is at the distal position (e.g., when control ring (416) is in the distal position), proximal drive feature (486) is received in hexagonal recess (436), such that rotation of drive shaft (432) rotates clamping driver (480). When drive shaft (432) is at the proximal position (e.g., when control ring (416) is in the proximal position), proximal drive feature (486) is disengaged from hexagonal recess (436), such that rotation of drive shaft (432) does not rotate clamping driver (480). - It should be understood from the foregoing that, when drive shaft (432) is at the distal position, rotation of drive shaft (432) will rotate clamping driver (480) but not rotary drive elements (450, 460). When drive shaft (432) is in the proximal position, rotation of drive shaft (432) will rotate rotary drive elements (450, 460) but not clamping driver (480). Thus, drive shaft (432) may be rotated and translated in a particular sequence to provide clamping, cutting, and stapling of tissue. An example of such a sequence is shown in
FIGS. 41A-41D . - In particular,
FIG. 41A shows anvil (490) coupled with trocar (444) and drive shaft (432) in the distal position. It should be understood that control ring (416) is also in the distal position at this stage. Head (492) of anvil (490) is positioned in a first lumen defined by tissue (2), with shaft (494) of anvil (490) protruding from lumen. A suture is used to secure tissue (2) about shaft (494) in a purse-string fashion. In some uses, tissue (2) defines an upper section of a gastrointestinal tract, such as an upper colon portion or an upper esophagus portion. It should be understood that anvil (490) may travel proximally through lumen before being coupled with trocar (444). Stapling head assembly (440) is positioned within a second lumen defined by tissue (2). A suture is used to secure tissue (2) about trocar (444) in a purse-string fashion. In some uses, tissue (2) defines a lower section of a gastrointestinal tract, such as a lower colon portion or a lower esophagus portion. It should be understood that stapling head assembly (440) may travel distally through lumen before being coupled with anvil (490). - With anvil (490) and stapling head assembly (440) coupled and positioned within respective lumens, motor (422) may be activated to rotate drive shaft (432). If handle assembly (410) is in manual operation mode, control knob (414) may be manually rotated to rotate drive shaft (432). With drive shaft (432) being in the distal position, drive feature (486) of clamping driver (480) is seated in recess (436) of drive shaft (432), such that rotation of drive shaft (432) rotates clamping driver (480). This rotation retracts trocar (444) and anvil (490) proximally relative to stapling head assembly (440) as shown in
FIG. 41B . This retraction provides clamping of tissue (2) between proximal face (496) of anvil head (492) and staple deck (442). Drive shaft (432) may be rotated until the desired gap between proximal face (496) and staple deck (442) is achieved. The gap may be indicated to the user in numerous ways. By way of example only, stapling instrument (400) may include an equivalent of indicator window as described above. As another merely illustrative example, an encoder or other feature may track rotation of drive shaft (432) and a control module may read such data and accordingly drive an LED display or other type of electronic display to indicate the gap distance to the user. Other suitable ways in which an operator may receive gap distance feedback will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. - Once the operator has achieved the desired gap between proximal face (496) and staple deck (442), the user may translate drive shaft (432) proximally as shown in
FIG. 41C . This may be done by translating control ring (416) proximally or in any other suitable fashion. When drive shaft (432) translates proximally (432), recess (436) disengages drive feature (486) and splines (434) engage splines (454). The translation of drive shaft (432) from the distal position to the proximal position thus shifts stapling head assembly (440) from a tissue clamping mode to a tissue cutting/stapling mode. In some other versions, stapling head assembly (440) is configured such that translating drive shaft from the distal position to the proximal position shifts stapling head assembly (440) from a tissue cutting/stapling mode to a tissue clamping mode; and vice-versa. - Once stapling head assembly (440) is shifted from tissue clamping mode to tissue cutting/stapling mode, drive shaft (432) may again be rotated. Again, this may be accomplished by activating motor (422); or by rotating control knob (414) manually if handle assembly (410) is in manual operation mode. In some instances, an operator may prefer to use handle assembly (410) in manual operation mode during tissue clamping (
FIGS. 41A-41B ), and then use handle assembly (410) in motorized mode during tissue cutting/stapling (FIGS. 41C-41D ); or vice versa. In either case, when drive shaft (432) is rotated during tissue cutting/stapling mode, this rotation is communicated through rotary drive elements (450, 460). The rotation of rotary drive elements (450, 460) drives drive nut (470) distally as shown inFIG. 41D , due to engagement between threading (464, 474). This distal advancement of drive nut (470) advances staple driver (443), and knife (445) distally, thereby cutting and stapling tissue (2). An encoder, force sensor, timer, and/or any other suitable feature may be used determine when to stop motor (422) automatically upon sufficient advancement of drive nut (470), staple driver (443), and knife (445). - After tissue (2) has been stapled and cut, drive shaft (432) may be advanced distally again to engage clamping driver (480), then rotated in the opposite direction to drive anvil (490) slightly away from stapling head assembly (440). With anvil (490) still coupled with stapling head assembly (440), stapling instrument (400) may then be withdrawn proximally through lumen (2), leaving a secure and fluid tight anastomosis joining lumens together. Other suitable ways in which stapling instrument (400) may be used will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- In some instances, it may be desirable to permit removal of at least part of stapling head assembly (440) from the rest of stapling instrument (400).
FIGS. 42A-43 show exemplary features that are incorporated into stapling head assembly (440) and shaft assembly (430) of the present example to enable removal of stapling head assembly (440) from shaft assembly (430). In particular,FIGS. 42A-43 show stapling head assembly (440) being provided in a cartridge housing (600) that is removable from the distal end of shaft assembly (430). Cartridge housing (600) includes a first locking features, such as a pair of outwardly extending tabs (602) that are positioned at the free ends of respective resilient arms (604). The distal end of shaft assembly (430) presents a socket (437) that receives cartridge housing (600). Socket (437) includes a pair of lateral openings (431) that correspond with tabs (602) of cartridge housing (602). In particular, resilient arms (604) are configured to resiliently bias tabs (602) into openings (431) when cartridge housing (600) is fully seated in socket (437), thereby locking cartridge housing (600) in place relative to shaft assembly (430). As best shown inFIG. 43 , the distal end of drive shaft (432) is positioned within socket (437), such that the distal end of drive shaft (432) will enter bore (452) of first rotary drive element (450) when cartridge housing (600) is fully seated in socket (437). - In order to remove cartridge housing (600) from socket (437), and thereby decouple stapling head assembly (440) from shaft assembly (430), a user may depress both tabs (602) inwardly to decouple tabs (602) from openings (431). While holding tabs (602) in these depressed positions, the user may then pull cartridge housing (600) distally away from shaft assembly (430) as shown in the transition from
FIG. 42A toFIG. 42B . At some point thereafter, another cartridge housing (600) may be inserted into socket (437). In some instances, this may be performed during a single surgical procedure. For instance, if the operator made a mistake during an initial attempt at securing an anastomosis and failed to properly deploy staples from stapling head assembly (440), the operator may withdraw stapling head assembly from the surgical site and re-load shaft assembly (430) with another stapling head assembly (440) to try completing the anastomosis again with the same stapling instrument (400). The operator would thus avoid the need to dispose of the entire stapling instrument (400) and use a completely new stapling instrument (400). - As another merely illustrative example, stapling instrument (400) may be provided as a partially reusable device. For instance, after being used in a surgical procedure, a nurse or other personnel may remove stapling head assembly (440) from shaft assembly (430) and dispose of the used stapling head assembly (440). The rest of stapling instrument (400) may then be sent to a sterilization process or other reclamation process. In instances where stapling instrument (400) includes a power source (420), motor (422), and/or other electronic components, such components may be removed for separate processing while the remainder of shaft assembly (430) and handle assembly (410) are sterilized in any suitable fashion. After processing, the previously used shaft assembly (430) and handle assembly (410) may be combined with a new stapling head assembly (440) for use in another surgical procedure. Various other suitable ways in which components of stapling instrument (400) may be handle before, during, and after surgical procedures will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- Of course, the modular cartridge configuration of stapling head assembly (440) in the present example is merely optional. Other suitable ways in which at least part of stapling head assembly (440) may be provided in a cartridge or modular form will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should also be understood that some versions of stapling head assembly (440) may simply be unitary with shaft assembly (430), such that stapling head assembly (440) may not be removed from shaft assembly (430). By way of example only, some such versions of stapling instrument (400) may be configured for a single use only, such that the entire stapling instrument (400), including stapling head assembly (440), is disposed of after a single use. Other suitable variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
- Similarly, at least some of the teachings herein may be readily combined with one or more teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/716,323, entitled “Motor Driven Rotary Input Circular Stapler with Lockable Flexible Shaft,” filed on Dec. 17, 2012 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,463,022 on Oct. 11, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Various suitable ways in which such teachings may be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.
- Versions of the devices described above may have application in conventional medical treatments and procedures conducted by a medical professional, as well as application in robotic-assisted medical treatments and procedures. By way of example only, various teachings herein may be readily incorporated into a robotic surgical system such as the DAVINCI™ system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif. Similarly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various teachings herein may be readily combined with various teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,524, entitled “Robotic Surgical Tool with Ultrasound Cauterizing and Cutting Instrument,” issued Aug. 31, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
- Versions described above may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. Versions may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, some versions of the device may be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, some versions of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a user immediately prior to a procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.
- By way of example only, versions described herein may be sterilized before and/or after a procedure. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored in the sterile container for later use. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.
- Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/156,077 US10835254B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2018-10-10 | Powered surgical circular stapler |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/716,308 US9445816B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2012-12-17 | Circular stapler with selectable motorized and manual control |
US13/716,313 US9532783B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2012-12-17 | Circular stapler with selectable motorized and manual control, including a control ring |
US15/268,684 US20170000487A1 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2016-09-19 | Circular stapler with selectable motorized and manual control |
US16/156,077 US10835254B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2018-10-10 | Powered surgical circular stapler |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/268,684 Continuation US20170000487A1 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2016-09-19 | Circular stapler with selectable motorized and manual control |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190105051A1 true US20190105051A1 (en) | 2019-04-11 |
US10835254B2 US10835254B2 (en) | 2020-11-17 |
Family
ID=69416627
Family Applications (9)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/716,313 Active 2034-10-13 US9532783B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2012-12-17 | Circular stapler with selectable motorized and manual control, including a control ring |
US13/716,308 Active 2034-11-11 US9445816B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2012-12-17 | Circular stapler with selectable motorized and manual control |
US15/268,684 Abandoned US20170000487A1 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2016-09-19 | Circular stapler with selectable motorized and manual control |
US15/268,694 Active 2033-11-14 US10542990B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2016-09-19 | Powered surgical circular stapler with removable cartridge having threaded interface |
US15/268,709 Active 2033-12-04 US10548603B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2016-09-19 | Powered surgical circular stapler with removable cartridge and range of tissue compression |
US15/268,705 Active 2033-11-19 US10537330B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2016-09-19 | Powered surgical circular stapler with removable cartridge and pivoting anvil |
US15/268,724 Active 2033-11-17 US10492788B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2016-09-19 | Powered surgical circular stapler with removable cartridge and variable staple height |
US15/268,740 Active 2033-10-05 US10492789B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2016-09-19 | Powered surgical circular stapler with removable cartridge and concentric rotary drive shafts |
US16/156,077 Active 2033-02-14 US10835254B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2018-10-10 | Powered surgical circular stapler |
Family Applications Before (8)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/716,313 Active 2034-10-13 US9532783B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2012-12-17 | Circular stapler with selectable motorized and manual control, including a control ring |
US13/716,308 Active 2034-11-11 US9445816B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2012-12-17 | Circular stapler with selectable motorized and manual control |
US15/268,684 Abandoned US20170000487A1 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2016-09-19 | Circular stapler with selectable motorized and manual control |
US15/268,694 Active 2033-11-14 US10542990B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2016-09-19 | Powered surgical circular stapler with removable cartridge having threaded interface |
US15/268,709 Active 2033-12-04 US10548603B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2016-09-19 | Powered surgical circular stapler with removable cartridge and range of tissue compression |
US15/268,705 Active 2033-11-19 US10537330B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2016-09-19 | Powered surgical circular stapler with removable cartridge and pivoting anvil |
US15/268,724 Active 2033-11-17 US10492788B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2016-09-19 | Powered surgical circular stapler with removable cartridge and variable staple height |
US15/268,740 Active 2033-10-05 US10492789B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2016-09-19 | Powered surgical circular stapler with removable cartridge and concentric rotary drive shafts |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (9) | US9532783B2 (en) |
EP (3) | EP3922194B1 (en) |
JP (2) | JP6290246B2 (en) |
CN (2) | CN104918564B (en) |
IN (2) | IN2015DN04213A (en) |
MX (2) | MX360428B (en) |
RU (2) | RU2653993C2 (en) |
WO (2) | WO2014099701A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2020237631A1 (en) * | 2019-05-31 | 2020-12-03 | Covidien Lp | Circular stapling device |
US20210275179A1 (en) * | 2020-03-06 | 2021-09-09 | Covidien Lp | Surgical stapling instrument with telescopic trocar assembly |
Families Citing this family (528)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9060770B2 (en) | 2003-05-20 | 2015-06-23 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Robotically-driven surgical instrument with E-beam driver |
US20070084897A1 (en) | 2003-05-20 | 2007-04-19 | Shelton Frederick E Iv | Articulating surgical stapling instrument incorporating a two-piece e-beam firing mechanism |
US8215531B2 (en) | 2004-07-28 | 2012-07-10 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling instrument having a medical substance dispenser |
US11896225B2 (en) | 2004-07-28 | 2024-02-13 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising a pan |
US7669746B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2010-03-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Staple cartridges for forming staples having differing formed staple heights |
US10159482B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2018-12-25 | Ethicon Llc | Fastener cartridge assembly comprising a fixed anvil and different staple heights |
US11246590B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2022-02-15 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge including staple drivers having different unfired heights |
US7934630B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2011-05-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Staple cartridges for forming staples having differing formed staple heights |
US9237891B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2016-01-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Robotically-controlled surgical stapling devices that produce formed staples having different lengths |
US11484312B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2022-11-01 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising a staple driver arrangement |
US20070106317A1 (en) | 2005-11-09 | 2007-05-10 | Shelton Frederick E Iv | Hydraulically and electrically actuated articulation joints for surgical instruments |
US20110024477A1 (en) | 2009-02-06 | 2011-02-03 | Hall Steven G | Driven Surgical Stapler Improvements |
US11278279B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2022-03-22 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument assembly |
US11793518B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2023-10-24 | Cilag Gmbh International | Powered surgical instruments with firing system lockout arrangements |
US11224427B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2022-01-18 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical stapling system including a console and retraction assembly |
US20110295295A1 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2011-12-01 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Robotically-controlled surgical instrument having recording capabilities |
US8820603B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2014-09-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Accessing data stored in a memory of a surgical instrument |
US20120292367A1 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2012-11-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Robotically-controlled end effector |
US8186555B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2012-05-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument with mechanical closure system |
US7845537B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2010-12-07 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument having recording capabilities |
US8708213B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2014-04-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument having a feedback system |
US7753904B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2010-07-13 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Endoscopic surgical instrument with a handle that can articulate with respect to the shaft |
US8992422B2 (en) | 2006-03-23 | 2015-03-31 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Robotically-controlled endoscopic accessory channel |
EP2018248B1 (en) | 2006-05-19 | 2015-11-04 | Applied Medical Resources Corporation | Surgical stapler |
US8322455B2 (en) | 2006-06-27 | 2012-12-04 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Manually driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument |
US10568652B2 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2020-02-25 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical staples having attached drivers of different heights and stapling instruments for deploying the same |
US7665647B2 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2010-02-23 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical cutting and stapling device with closure apparatus for limiting maximum tissue compression force |
US8684253B2 (en) | 2007-01-10 | 2014-04-01 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument with wireless communication between a control unit of a robotic system and remote sensor |
US8652120B2 (en) | 2007-01-10 | 2014-02-18 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and sensor transponders |
US11291441B2 (en) | 2007-01-10 | 2022-04-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor |
US8540128B2 (en) | 2007-01-11 | 2013-09-24 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling device with a curved end effector |
US11039836B2 (en) | 2007-01-11 | 2021-06-22 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling instrument |
US7735703B2 (en) | 2007-03-15 | 2010-06-15 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Re-loadable surgical stapling instrument |
US8893946B2 (en) | 2007-03-28 | 2014-11-25 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Laparoscopic tissue thickness and clamp load measuring devices |
US8931682B2 (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2015-01-13 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Robotically-controlled shaft based rotary drive systems for surgical instruments |
US11857181B2 (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2024-01-02 | Cilag Gmbh International | Robotically-controlled shaft based rotary drive systems for surgical instruments |
US7753245B2 (en) | 2007-06-22 | 2010-07-13 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling instruments |
US11849941B2 (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2023-12-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge having staple cavities extending at a transverse angle relative to a longitudinal cartridge axis |
US9179912B2 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2015-11-10 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Robotically-controlled motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument |
US8636736B2 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2014-01-28 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument |
RU2493788C2 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2013-09-27 | Этикон Эндо-Серджери, Инк. | Surgical cutting and fixing instrument, which has radio-frequency electrodes |
US8573465B2 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2013-11-05 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Robotically-controlled surgical end effector system with rotary actuated closure systems |
US8758391B2 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2014-06-24 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Interchangeable tools for surgical instruments |
US7819298B2 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2010-10-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling apparatus with control features operable with one hand |
US7866527B2 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2011-01-11 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling apparatus with interlockable firing system |
US11272927B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2022-03-15 | Cilag Gmbh International | Layer arrangements for surgical staple cartridges |
US20130153641A1 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2013-06-20 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Releasable layer of material and surgical end effector having the same |
US8210411B2 (en) | 2008-09-23 | 2012-07-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Motor-driven surgical cutting instrument |
US9386983B2 (en) | 2008-09-23 | 2016-07-12 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Robotically-controlled motorized surgical instrument |
US9005230B2 (en) | 2008-09-23 | 2015-04-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Motorized surgical instrument |
US11648005B2 (en) | 2008-09-23 | 2023-05-16 | Cilag Gmbh International | Robotically-controlled motorized surgical instrument with an end effector |
US8608045B2 (en) | 2008-10-10 | 2013-12-17 | Ethicon Endo-Sugery, Inc. | Powered surgical cutting and stapling apparatus with manually retractable firing system |
US8517239B2 (en) | 2009-02-05 | 2013-08-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling instrument comprising a magnetic element driver |
RU2525225C2 (en) | 2009-02-06 | 2014-08-10 | Этикон Эндо-Серджери, Инк. | Improvement of drive surgical suturing instrument |
US8444036B2 (en) | 2009-02-06 | 2013-05-21 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Motor driven surgical fastener device with mechanisms for adjusting a tissue gap within the end effector |
US8851354B2 (en) | 2009-12-24 | 2014-10-07 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical cutting instrument that analyzes tissue thickness |
US8220688B2 (en) | 2009-12-24 | 2012-07-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Motor-driven surgical cutting instrument with electric actuator directional control assembly |
US8783543B2 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2014-07-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Tissue acquisition arrangements and methods for surgical stapling devices |
US9168038B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2015-10-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Staple cartridge comprising a tissue thickness compensator |
US11298125B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2022-04-12 | Cilag Gmbh International | Tissue stapler having a thickness compensator |
US9241714B2 (en) | 2011-04-29 | 2016-01-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Tissue thickness compensator and method for making the same |
US9364233B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2016-06-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Tissue thickness compensators for circular surgical staplers |
US11812965B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2023-11-14 | Cilag Gmbh International | Layer of material for a surgical end effector |
US9320523B2 (en) | 2012-03-28 | 2016-04-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Tissue thickness compensator comprising tissue ingrowth features |
US11849952B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2023-12-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising staples positioned within a compressible portion thereof |
US9861361B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2018-01-09 | Ethicon Llc | Releasable tissue thickness compensator and fastener cartridge having the same |
US9232941B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2016-01-12 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Tissue thickness compensator comprising a reservoir |
US9629814B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2017-04-25 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Tissue thickness compensator configured to redistribute compressive forces |
US10945731B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2021-03-16 | Ethicon Llc | Tissue thickness compensator comprising controlled release and expansion |
US8695866B2 (en) | 2010-10-01 | 2014-04-15 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument having a power control circuit |
US9033204B2 (en) | 2011-03-14 | 2015-05-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Circular stapling devices with tissue-puncturing anvil features |
BR112013027794B1 (en) | 2011-04-29 | 2020-12-15 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc | CLAMP CARTRIDGE SET |
US11207064B2 (en) | 2011-05-27 | 2021-12-28 | Cilag Gmbh International | Automated end effector component reloading system for use with a robotic system |
US9072535B2 (en) | 2011-05-27 | 2015-07-07 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling instruments with rotatable staple deployment arrangements |
US9044230B2 (en) | 2012-02-13 | 2015-06-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical cutting and fastening instrument with apparatus for determining cartridge and firing motion status |
RU2014143258A (en) | 2012-03-28 | 2016-05-20 | Этикон Эндо-Серджери, Инк. | FABRIC THICKNESS COMPENSATOR CONTAINING MANY LAYERS |
RU2639857C2 (en) | 2012-03-28 | 2017-12-22 | Этикон Эндо-Серджери, Инк. | Tissue thickness compensator containing capsule for medium with low pressure |
BR112014024194B1 (en) | 2012-03-28 | 2022-03-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc | STAPLER CARTRIDGE SET FOR A SURGICAL STAPLER |
US9101358B2 (en) | 2012-06-15 | 2015-08-11 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Articulatable surgical instrument comprising a firing drive |
US9649111B2 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2017-05-16 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Replaceable clip cartridge for a clip applier |
US20140001231A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2014-01-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Firing system lockout arrangements for surgical instruments |
US11278284B2 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2022-03-22 | Cilag Gmbh International | Rotary drive arrangements for surgical instruments |
BR112014032776B1 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2021-09-08 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM AND SURGICAL KIT FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM |
US20140005718A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2014-01-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Multi-functional powered surgical device with external dissection features |
US20140001234A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2014-01-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Coupling arrangements for attaching surgical end effectors to drive systems therefor |
US9289256B2 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2016-03-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical end effectors having angled tissue-contacting surfaces |
BR112014032740A2 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2020-02-27 | Ethicon Endo Surgery Inc | empty clip cartridge lock |
US9724100B2 (en) * | 2012-12-04 | 2017-08-08 | Ethicon Llc | Circular anvil introduction system with alignment feature |
US9532783B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2017-01-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Circular stapler with selectable motorized and manual control, including a control ring |
US9597081B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2017-03-21 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Motor driven rotary input circular stapler with modular end effector |
US20140207124A1 (en) | 2013-01-23 | 2014-07-24 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument with selectable integral or external power source |
RU2669463C2 (en) | 2013-03-01 | 2018-10-11 | Этикон Эндо-Серджери, Инк. | Surgical instrument with soft stop |
BR112015021098B1 (en) | 2013-03-01 | 2022-02-15 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc | COVERAGE FOR A JOINT JOINT AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENT |
US9883860B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2018-02-06 | Ethicon Llc | Interchangeable shaft assemblies for use with a surgical instrument |
US9629629B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2017-04-25 | Ethicon Endo-Surgey, LLC | Control systems for surgical instruments |
WO2014152912A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-09-25 | Applied Medical Resources Corporation | Surgical stapler with partial pockets |
WO2014144411A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | Applied Medical Resources Corporation | Surgical stapler having actuation mechanism with rotatable shaft |
KR102254476B1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2021-05-21 | 어플라이드 메디컬 리소시스 코포레이션 | Surgical stapler with expandable jaw |
US9844368B2 (en) | 2013-04-16 | 2017-12-19 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical system comprising first and second drive systems |
BR112015026109B1 (en) | 2013-04-16 | 2022-02-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc | surgical instrument |
MX369362B (en) | 2013-08-23 | 2019-11-06 | Ethicon Endo Surgery Llc | Firing member retraction devices for powered surgical instruments. |
US9283054B2 (en) | 2013-08-23 | 2016-03-15 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Interactive displays |
US9642642B2 (en) * | 2013-09-20 | 2017-05-09 | Kok Hoo LIM | Guide tip introducer and method to create thereof |
US10709452B2 (en) | 2013-09-23 | 2020-07-14 | Ethicon Llc | Methods and systems for performing circular stapling |
US9713469B2 (en) | 2013-09-23 | 2017-07-25 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler with rotary cam drive |
US10695068B2 (en) | 2017-04-28 | 2020-06-30 | Ethicon Llc | Hysteresis removal feature in surgical stapling instrument |
US20180132849A1 (en) | 2016-11-14 | 2018-05-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Staple forming pocket configurations for circular surgical stapler anvil |
US20150083772A1 (en) | 2013-09-23 | 2015-03-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapler with rotary cam drive and return |
US10478189B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2019-11-19 | Ethicon Llc | Method of applying an annular array of staples to tissue |
US10980542B2 (en) | 2016-11-14 | 2021-04-20 | Ethicon Llc | Circular surgical stapler with recessed deck |
US10729444B2 (en) | 2017-04-28 | 2020-08-04 | Ethicon Llc | Liquid-immune trigger circuit for surgical instrument |
US9962161B2 (en) | 2014-02-12 | 2018-05-08 | Ethicon Llc | Deliverable surgical instrument |
BR112016019387B1 (en) | 2014-02-24 | 2022-11-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM AND FASTENER CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL FIXING INSTRUMENT |
BR112016021943B1 (en) | 2014-03-26 | 2022-06-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR USE BY AN OPERATOR IN A SURGICAL PROCEDURE |
US20150272557A1 (en) | 2014-03-26 | 2015-10-01 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Modular surgical instrument system |
US10013049B2 (en) | 2014-03-26 | 2018-07-03 | Ethicon Llc | Power management through sleep options of segmented circuit and wake up control |
US9750499B2 (en) | 2014-03-26 | 2017-09-05 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapling instrument system |
CN106456167B (en) * | 2014-03-26 | 2019-05-14 | 伊西康内外科有限责任公司 | The feedback algorithm of manual-operated emergent system for surgical instruments |
US20150297225A1 (en) | 2014-04-16 | 2015-10-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Fastener cartridges including extensions having different configurations |
CN106456159B (en) | 2014-04-16 | 2019-03-08 | 伊西康内外科有限责任公司 | Fastener cartridge assembly and nail retainer lid arragement construction |
JP6612256B2 (en) | 2014-04-16 | 2019-11-27 | エシコン エルエルシー | Fastener cartridge with non-uniform fastener |
US10542988B2 (en) | 2014-04-16 | 2020-01-28 | Ethicon Llc | End effector comprising an anvil including projections extending therefrom |
US9801627B2 (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2017-10-31 | Ethicon Llc | Fastener cartridge for creating a flexible staple line |
BR112016023698B1 (en) | 2014-04-16 | 2022-07-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | FASTENER CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT |
ES2861258T3 (en) | 2014-06-11 | 2021-10-06 | Applied Med Resources | Circumferential Shot Surgical Stapler |
US11311294B2 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2022-04-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Powered medical device including measurement of closure state of jaws |
BR112017004361B1 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2023-04-11 | Ethicon Llc | ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT |
US10111679B2 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2018-10-30 | Ethicon Llc | Circuitry and sensors for powered medical device |
AU2015318095B2 (en) | 2014-09-15 | 2020-02-20 | Applied Medical Resources Corporation | Surgical stapler with self-adjusting staple height |
US10105142B2 (en) | 2014-09-18 | 2018-10-23 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler with plurality of cutting elements |
US11523821B2 (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2022-12-13 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method for creating a flexible staple line |
BR112017005981B1 (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2022-09-06 | Ethicon, Llc | ANCHOR MATERIAL FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT |
US10076325B2 (en) | 2014-10-13 | 2018-09-18 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapling apparatus comprising a tissue stop |
US9924944B2 (en) | 2014-10-16 | 2018-03-27 | Ethicon Llc | Staple cartridge comprising an adjunct material |
CN104306039B (en) * | 2014-10-24 | 2016-08-24 | 飞依诺科技(苏州)有限公司 | Stapler |
US10517594B2 (en) | 2014-10-29 | 2019-12-31 | Ethicon Llc | Cartridge assemblies for surgical staplers |
US11141153B2 (en) | 2014-10-29 | 2021-10-12 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridges comprising driver arrangements |
US9844376B2 (en) | 2014-11-06 | 2017-12-19 | Ethicon Llc | Staple cartridge comprising a releasable adjunct material |
US10736636B2 (en) | 2014-12-10 | 2020-08-11 | Ethicon Llc | Articulatable surgical instrument system |
US9987000B2 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2018-06-05 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument assembly comprising a flexible articulation system |
MX2017008108A (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2018-03-06 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument with an anvil that is selectively movable about a discrete non-movable axis relative to a staple cartridge. |
US10085748B2 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2018-10-02 | Ethicon Llc | Locking arrangements for detachable shaft assemblies with articulatable surgical end effectors |
US10188385B2 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2019-01-29 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument system comprising lockable systems |
US9844375B2 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2017-12-19 | Ethicon Llc | Drive arrangements for articulatable surgical instruments |
US10004501B2 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2018-06-26 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments with improved closure arrangements |
US9844374B2 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2017-12-19 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument systems comprising an articulatable end effector and means for adjusting the firing stroke of a firing member |
US10537667B2 (en) | 2015-01-28 | 2020-01-21 | Ethicon Llc | High temperature material for use in medical devices |
US10034668B2 (en) * | 2015-02-19 | 2018-07-31 | Covidien Lp | Circular knife blade for linear staplers |
US9931118B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2018-04-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Reinforced battery for a surgical instrument |
US10180463B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2019-01-15 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical apparatus configured to assess whether a performance parameter of the surgical apparatus is within an acceptable performance band |
US11154301B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2021-10-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Modular stapling assembly |
US9901342B2 (en) | 2015-03-06 | 2018-02-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Signal and power communication system positioned on a rotatable shaft |
US10052044B2 (en) | 2015-03-06 | 2018-08-21 | Ethicon Llc | Time dependent evaluation of sensor data to determine stability, creep, and viscoelastic elements of measures |
US9924961B2 (en) | 2015-03-06 | 2018-03-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Interactive feedback system for powered surgical instruments |
US10687806B2 (en) | 2015-03-06 | 2020-06-23 | Ethicon Llc | Adaptive tissue compression techniques to adjust closure rates for multiple tissue types |
US9808246B2 (en) | 2015-03-06 | 2017-11-07 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Method of operating a powered surgical instrument |
US10441279B2 (en) | 2015-03-06 | 2019-10-15 | Ethicon Llc | Multiple level thresholds to modify operation of powered surgical instruments |
US10245033B2 (en) | 2015-03-06 | 2019-04-02 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument comprising a lockable battery housing |
US10617412B2 (en) | 2015-03-06 | 2020-04-14 | Ethicon Llc | System for detecting the mis-insertion of a staple cartridge into a surgical stapler |
US9993248B2 (en) | 2015-03-06 | 2018-06-12 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Smart sensors with local signal processing |
JP2020121162A (en) | 2015-03-06 | 2020-08-13 | エシコン エルエルシーEthicon LLC | Time dependent evaluation of sensor data to determine stability element, creep element and viscoelastic element of measurement |
US10190888B2 (en) * | 2015-03-11 | 2019-01-29 | Covidien Lp | Surgical stapling instruments with linear position assembly |
US10433844B2 (en) | 2015-03-31 | 2019-10-08 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument with selectively disengageable threaded drive systems |
US9987001B2 (en) | 2015-06-12 | 2018-06-05 | Covidien Lp | Surgical anastomosis apparatus |
US10271842B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2019-04-30 | Ethicon Llc | Anvil stabilization features for surgical stapler |
US10456134B2 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2019-10-29 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler with reversible motor |
US10188386B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2019-01-29 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler with anvil state indicator |
US10194911B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2019-02-05 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler with ready state indicator |
US10307157B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2019-06-04 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler with anvil seating detection |
US10271841B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2019-04-30 | Ethicon Llc | Bailout assembly for surgical stapler |
US10405855B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2019-09-10 | Ethicon Llc | Firing circuit for surgical stapler |
US10226253B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2019-03-12 | Ethicon Llc | Firing assembly for circular stapler |
US10905415B2 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2021-02-02 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler with electromechanical lockout |
US10265066B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2019-04-23 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler with incomplete firing indicator |
US10517602B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2019-12-31 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler with reversible polarity |
JP7079194B2 (en) | 2015-08-06 | 2022-06-01 | アプライド メディカル リソーシーズ コーポレイション | Surgical stapler with lock joints |
US10835249B2 (en) | 2015-08-17 | 2020-11-17 | Ethicon Llc | Implantable layers for a surgical instrument |
US10238386B2 (en) | 2015-09-23 | 2019-03-26 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler having motor control based on an electrical parameter related to a motor current |
US10327769B2 (en) | 2015-09-23 | 2019-06-25 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler having motor control based on a drive system component |
US10105139B2 (en) | 2015-09-23 | 2018-10-23 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler having downstream current-based motor control |
US10363036B2 (en) | 2015-09-23 | 2019-07-30 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler having force-based motor control |
US9987013B2 (en) | 2015-09-24 | 2018-06-05 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical staple buttress with magnetic elements |
US10307165B2 (en) | 2015-09-24 | 2019-06-04 | Ethicon Llc | Apparatus and method for radially bunching a bodily lumen |
US10485548B2 (en) | 2015-09-24 | 2019-11-26 | Ethicon Llc | Apparatus and method for forming a staple line with trocar passageway |
US10492790B2 (en) | 2015-09-24 | 2019-12-03 | Ethicon Llc | Apparatus and method for cinching a straight staple line |
US10499909B2 (en) | 2015-09-24 | 2019-12-10 | Ethicon Llc | Apparatus and method for pleating a bodily lumen |
US10299878B2 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2019-05-28 | Ethicon Llc | Implantable adjunct systems for determining adjunct skew |
US10980539B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2021-04-20 | Ethicon Llc | Implantable adjunct comprising bonded layers |
US11690623B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2023-07-04 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method for applying an implantable layer to a fastener cartridge |
US20170086829A1 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2017-03-30 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Compressible adjunct with intermediate supporting structures |
US11890015B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2024-02-06 | Cilag Gmbh International | Compressible adjunct with crossing spacer fibers |
US10253847B2 (en) * | 2015-12-22 | 2019-04-09 | Covidien Lp | Electromechanical surgical devices with single motor drives and adapter assemblies therfor |
US10292704B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2019-05-21 | Ethicon Llc | Mechanisms for compensating for battery pack failure in powered surgical instruments |
US10368865B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2019-08-06 | Ethicon Llc | Mechanisms for compensating for drivetrain failure in powered surgical instruments |
US10265068B2 (en) | 2015-12-30 | 2019-04-23 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments with separable motors and motor control circuits |
US11213293B2 (en) | 2016-02-09 | 2022-01-04 | Cilag Gmbh International | Articulatable surgical instruments with single articulation link arrangements |
JP6911054B2 (en) | 2016-02-09 | 2021-07-28 | エシコン エルエルシーEthicon LLC | Surgical instruments with asymmetric joint composition |
US10245030B2 (en) | 2016-02-09 | 2019-04-02 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments with tensioning arrangements for cable driven articulation systems |
US10448948B2 (en) | 2016-02-12 | 2019-10-22 | Ethicon Llc | Mechanisms for compensating for drivetrain failure in powered surgical instruments |
US11224426B2 (en) | 2016-02-12 | 2022-01-18 | Cilag Gmbh International | Mechanisms for compensating for drivetrain failure in powered surgical instruments |
US10258331B2 (en) | 2016-02-12 | 2019-04-16 | Ethicon Llc | Mechanisms for compensating for drivetrain failure in powered surgical instruments |
US10376263B2 (en) | 2016-04-01 | 2019-08-13 | Ethicon Llc | Anvil modification members for surgical staplers |
US11284890B2 (en) | 2016-04-01 | 2022-03-29 | Cilag Gmbh International | Circular stapling system comprising an incisable tissue support |
CN109310412B (en) * | 2016-04-01 | 2022-05-27 | 伊西康有限责任公司 | Modular surgical stapling system including a display |
US10675021B2 (en) | 2016-04-01 | 2020-06-09 | Ethicon Llc | Circular stapling system comprising rotary firing system |
US10617413B2 (en) | 2016-04-01 | 2020-04-14 | Ethicon Llc | Closure system arrangements for surgical cutting and stapling devices with separate and distinct firing shafts |
US10307159B2 (en) | 2016-04-01 | 2019-06-04 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument handle assembly with reconfigurable grip portion |
ES2882141T3 (en) | 2016-04-12 | 2021-12-01 | Applied Med Resources | Refill Stem Assembly for Surgical Stapler |
KR20240038159A (en) | 2016-04-12 | 2024-03-22 | 어플라이드 메디컬 리소시스 코포레이션 | Surgical stapler having a powered handle |
ES2878152T3 (en) | 2016-04-12 | 2021-11-18 | Applied Med Resources | Articulating Mechanism Surgical Stapler |
US10828028B2 (en) | 2016-04-15 | 2020-11-10 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument with multiple program responses during a firing motion |
US10492783B2 (en) | 2016-04-15 | 2019-12-03 | Ethicon, Llc | Surgical instrument with improved stop/start control during a firing motion |
US11607239B2 (en) | 2016-04-15 | 2023-03-21 | Cilag Gmbh International | Systems and methods for controlling a surgical stapling and cutting instrument |
US10405859B2 (en) | 2016-04-15 | 2019-09-10 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument with adjustable stop/start control during a firing motion |
US10456137B2 (en) | 2016-04-15 | 2019-10-29 | Ethicon Llc | Staple formation detection mechanisms |
US11179150B2 (en) | 2016-04-15 | 2021-11-23 | Cilag Gmbh International | Systems and methods for controlling a surgical stapling and cutting instrument |
US10357247B2 (en) | 2016-04-15 | 2019-07-23 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument with multiple program responses during a firing motion |
US10335145B2 (en) | 2016-04-15 | 2019-07-02 | Ethicon Llc | Modular surgical instrument with configurable operating mode |
US10426467B2 (en) | 2016-04-15 | 2019-10-01 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument with detection sensors |
US10363037B2 (en) | 2016-04-18 | 2019-07-30 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument system comprising a magnetic lockout |
US11317917B2 (en) | 2016-04-18 | 2022-05-03 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical stapling system comprising a lockable firing assembly |
US20170296173A1 (en) | 2016-04-18 | 2017-10-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Method for operating a surgical instrument |
US10702302B2 (en) * | 2016-05-17 | 2020-07-07 | Covidien Lp | Adapter assembly including a removable trocar assembly |
CN109414277B (en) * | 2016-06-20 | 2022-04-29 | 奥林巴斯株式会社 | Treatment tool |
US10736702B2 (en) * | 2016-08-16 | 2020-08-11 | Ethicon Llc | Activating and rotating surgical end effectors |
US10542981B2 (en) | 2016-11-14 | 2020-01-28 | Ethicon Llc | Atraumatic stapling head features for circular surgical stapler |
US10603041B2 (en) | 2016-11-14 | 2020-03-31 | Ethicon Llc | Circular surgical stapler with angularly asymmetric deck features |
US10354546B2 (en) * | 2016-11-25 | 2019-07-16 | Naomi Belhassen | Semi-permanent makeup system and method |
US10682138B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2020-06-16 | Ethicon Llc | Bilaterally asymmetric staple forming pocket pairs |
US10588632B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2020-03-17 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical end effectors and firing members thereof |
US10835245B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2020-11-17 | Ethicon Llc | Method for attaching a shaft assembly to a surgical instrument and, alternatively, to a surgical robot |
US10881401B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2021-01-05 | Ethicon Llc | Staple firing member comprising a missing cartridge and/or spent cartridge lockout |
US10448950B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2019-10-22 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical staplers with independently actuatable closing and firing systems |
US10856868B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2020-12-08 | Ethicon Llc | Firing member pin configurations |
JP6983893B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2021-12-17 | エシコン エルエルシーEthicon LLC | Lockout configuration for surgical end effectors and replaceable tool assemblies |
JP7010956B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2022-01-26 | エシコン エルエルシー | How to staple tissue |
US20180168615A1 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2018-06-21 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Method of deforming staples from two different types of staple cartridges with the same surgical stapling instrument |
US10426471B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2019-10-01 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument with multiple failure response modes |
US20180168625A1 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2018-06-21 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical stapling instruments with smart staple cartridges |
US10893864B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2021-01-19 | Ethicon | Staple cartridges and arrangements of staples and staple cavities therein |
US10675026B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2020-06-09 | Ethicon Llc | Methods of stapling tissue |
US10695055B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2020-06-30 | Ethicon Llc | Firing assembly comprising a lockout |
US10524789B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2020-01-07 | Ethicon Llc | Laterally actuatable articulation lock arrangements for locking an end effector of a surgical instrument in an articulated configuration |
US11419606B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2022-08-23 | Cilag Gmbh International | Shaft assembly comprising a clutch configured to adapt the output of a rotary firing member to two different systems |
US11134942B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2021-10-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical stapling instruments and staple-forming anvils |
JP2020501779A (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2020-01-23 | エシコン エルエルシーEthicon LLC | Surgical stapling system |
US10588630B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2020-03-17 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical tool assemblies with closure stroke reduction features |
US10863980B2 (en) * | 2016-12-28 | 2020-12-15 | Edwards Lifesciences Corporation | Suture fastener having spaced-apart layers |
US11678885B2 (en) * | 2017-01-25 | 2023-06-20 | Covidien Lp | Circular stapling device and method of use |
US10932807B2 (en) * | 2017-02-08 | 2021-03-02 | Covidien Lp | Assembly tool for ultrasonic surgical instruments and kits and methods including the same |
US11937821B1 (en) | 2017-05-17 | 2024-03-26 | Avenu Medical, Inc. | Systems and methods for catheter feedback and control for AV fistula creation |
US10813639B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2020-10-27 | Ethicon Llc | Closed loop feedback control of motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument based on system conditions |
US10779820B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2020-09-22 | Ethicon Llc | Systems and methods for controlling motor speed according to user input for a surgical instrument |
US10881396B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2021-01-05 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument with variable duration trigger arrangement |
US11090046B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2021-08-17 | Cilag Gmbh International | Systems and methods for controlling displacement member motion of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument |
US10888321B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2021-01-12 | Ethicon Llc | Systems and methods for controlling velocity of a displacement member of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument |
US10327767B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2019-06-25 | Ethicon Llc | Control of motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument based on angle of articulation |
US11653914B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2023-05-23 | Cilag Gmbh International | Systems and methods for controlling motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument according to articulation angle of end effector |
US11517325B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2022-12-06 | Cilag Gmbh International | Closed loop feedback control of motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument based on measured displacement distance traveled over a specified time interval |
US11071554B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2021-07-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Closed loop feedback control of motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument based on magnitude of velocity error measurements |
USD879808S1 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2020-03-31 | Ethicon Llc | Display panel with graphical user interface |
US10980537B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2021-04-20 | Ethicon Llc | Closed loop feedback control of motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument based on measured time over a specified number of shaft rotations |
US10646220B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2020-05-12 | Ethicon Llc | Systems and methods for controlling displacement member velocity for a surgical instrument |
US10881399B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2021-01-05 | Ethicon Llc | Techniques for adaptive control of motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument |
US10307170B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2019-06-04 | Ethicon Llc | Method for closed loop control of motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument |
US10390841B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2019-08-27 | Ethicon Llc | Control of motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument based on angle of articulation |
US10624633B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2020-04-21 | Ethicon Llc | Systems and methods for controlling motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument |
USD890784S1 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2020-07-21 | Ethicon Llc | Display panel with changeable graphical user interface |
US11382638B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2022-07-12 | Cilag Gmbh International | Closed loop feedback control of motor velocity of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument based on measured time over a specified displacement distance |
USD879809S1 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2020-03-31 | Ethicon Llc | Display panel with changeable graphical user interface |
US10368864B2 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2019-08-06 | Ethicon Llc | Systems and methods for controlling displaying motor velocity for a surgical instrument |
US10828029B2 (en) | 2017-06-27 | 2020-11-10 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler with independently actuated drivers to provide varying staple heights |
US10856869B2 (en) | 2017-06-27 | 2020-12-08 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical anvil arrangements |
US10631859B2 (en) | 2017-06-27 | 2020-04-28 | Ethicon Llc | Articulation systems for surgical instruments |
US10772629B2 (en) | 2017-06-27 | 2020-09-15 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical anvil arrangements |
US11324503B2 (en) | 2017-06-27 | 2022-05-10 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical firing member arrangements |
US10993716B2 (en) | 2017-06-27 | 2021-05-04 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical anvil arrangements |
US11266405B2 (en) | 2017-06-27 | 2022-03-08 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical anvil manufacturing methods |
US11071548B2 (en) * | 2017-06-27 | 2021-07-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Powered circular stapler with reciprocating drive member to provide independent stapling and cutting of tissue |
US10765427B2 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2020-09-08 | Ethicon Llc | Method for articulating a surgical instrument |
US10903685B2 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2021-01-26 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical shaft assemblies with slip ring assemblies forming capacitive channels |
EP4070740A1 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2022-10-12 | Cilag GmbH International | Surgical instrument comprising selectively actuatable rotatable couplers |
US10716614B2 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2020-07-21 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical shaft assemblies with slip ring assemblies with increased contact pressure |
US11246592B2 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2022-02-15 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising an articulation system lockable to a frame |
USD906355S1 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2020-12-29 | Ethicon Llc | Display screen or portion thereof with a graphical user interface for a surgical instrument |
USD851762S1 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2019-06-18 | Ethicon Llc | Anvil |
US10211586B2 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2019-02-19 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical shaft assemblies with watertight housings |
US10786253B2 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2020-09-29 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical end effectors with improved jaw aperture arrangements |
USD854151S1 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2019-07-16 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument shaft |
US11000279B2 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2021-05-11 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument comprising an articulation system ratio |
US11564686B2 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2023-01-31 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical shaft assemblies with flexible interfaces |
USD869655S1 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2019-12-10 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical fastener cartridge |
US11259805B2 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2022-03-01 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising firing member supports |
US10398434B2 (en) | 2017-06-29 | 2019-09-03 | Ethicon Llc | Closed loop velocity control of closure member for robotic surgical instrument |
US10932772B2 (en) | 2017-06-29 | 2021-03-02 | Ethicon Llc | Methods for closed loop velocity control for robotic surgical instrument |
US10258418B2 (en) | 2017-06-29 | 2019-04-16 | Ethicon Llc | System for controlling articulation forces |
US11007022B2 (en) | 2017-06-29 | 2021-05-18 | Ethicon Llc | Closed loop velocity control techniques based on sensed tissue parameters for robotic surgical instrument |
US10898183B2 (en) | 2017-06-29 | 2021-01-26 | Ethicon Llc | Robotic surgical instrument with closed loop feedback techniques for advancement of closure member during firing |
US10582945B2 (en) | 2018-03-20 | 2020-03-10 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical devices and systems with rotating end effector assemblies having an ultrasonic blade |
US10925630B2 (en) | 2018-06-19 | 2021-02-23 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical devices and systems with rotating end effector assemblies having an ultrasonic blade |
BR112020000933B1 (en) | 2017-07-19 | 2024-02-15 | Ethicon Llc | SURGICAL DEVICE AND ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEM |
US11033293B2 (en) | 2017-07-19 | 2021-06-15 | Cilag Gmbh International | Ultrasonic transducer to blade acoustic coupling, connections, and configurations |
US11471155B2 (en) | 2017-08-03 | 2022-10-18 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical system bailout |
US20190038283A1 (en) * | 2017-08-03 | 2019-02-07 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical system comprising an articulation bailout |
US11944300B2 (en) | 2017-08-03 | 2024-04-02 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method for operating a surgical system bailout |
US11304695B2 (en) | 2017-08-03 | 2022-04-19 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical system shaft interconnection |
US10905421B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2021-02-02 | Ethicon Llc | Electrically-powered surgical box staplers |
US10881403B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2021-01-05 | Ethicon Llc | Endocutter control system |
US10925682B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2021-02-23 | Ethicon Llc | Electrically-powered surgical systems employing variable compression during treatment |
US10905417B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2021-02-02 | Ethicon Llc | Circular stapler |
US10905493B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2021-02-02 | Ethicon Llc | Methods, systems, and devices for controlling electrosurgical tools |
US10856928B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2020-12-08 | Ethicon Llc | Electrically-powered surgical systems |
US10888370B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2021-01-12 | Ethicon Llc | Methods, systems, and devices for controlling electrosurgical tools |
WO2019043507A1 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2019-03-07 | Ethicon Llc | Circular stapler |
US11013528B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2021-05-25 | Ethicon Llc | Electrically-powered surgical systems providing fine clamping control during energy delivery |
US10835310B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2020-11-17 | Ethicon Llc | Electrically-powered surgical systems |
US10485527B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2019-11-26 | Ethicon Llc | Control system for clip applier |
US10912581B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2021-02-09 | Ethicon Llc | Electrically-powered surgical systems with articulation-compensated ultrasonic energy delivery |
US10932808B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2021-03-02 | Ethicon Llc | Methods, systems, and devices for controlling electrosurgical tools |
WO2019043508A2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2019-03-07 | Ethicon Llc | Endocutter control system |
US10548601B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2020-02-04 | Ethicon Llc | Control system for clip applier |
US10675082B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2020-06-09 | Ethicon Llc | Control of surgical field irrigation by electrosurgical tool |
US10470758B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2019-11-12 | Ethicon Llc | Suturing device |
US10912567B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2021-02-09 | Ethicon Llc | Circular stapler |
US11160602B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2021-11-02 | Cilag Gmbh International | Control of surgical field irrigation |
US10898219B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2021-01-26 | Ethicon Llc | Electrically-powered surgical systems for cutting and welding solid organs |
US11172928B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2021-11-16 | Cilag Gmbh International | Endocutter control system |
US11504126B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2022-11-22 | Cilag Gmbh International | Control system for clip applier |
US10835256B2 (en) | 2017-09-27 | 2020-11-17 | Ethicon Llc | Circular stapling instrument with firing trigger having integral resilient features |
US10758236B2 (en) | 2017-09-27 | 2020-09-01 | Ethicon Llc | Circular stapling instrument with torque limiting feature |
US10751059B2 (en) | 2017-09-27 | 2020-08-25 | Ethicon Llc | Circular stapling instrument anvil with shank having unitary latches with living hinge |
US11058428B2 (en) | 2017-09-27 | 2021-07-13 | Cilag Gmbh International | Circular stapling instrument with asymmetric molded shroud components |
US11039839B2 (en) | 2017-09-27 | 2021-06-22 | Cilag Gmbh International | Circular stapling instrument with unitary closure rod |
US10743872B2 (en) | 2017-09-29 | 2020-08-18 | Ethicon Llc | System and methods for controlling a display of a surgical instrument |
USD917500S1 (en) | 2017-09-29 | 2021-04-27 | Ethicon Llc | Display screen or portion thereof with graphical user interface |
US10765429B2 (en) | 2017-09-29 | 2020-09-08 | Ethicon Llc | Systems and methods for providing alerts according to the operational state of a surgical instrument |
USD907648S1 (en) | 2017-09-29 | 2021-01-12 | Ethicon Llc | Display screen or portion thereof with animated graphical user interface |
US11399829B2 (en) | 2017-09-29 | 2022-08-02 | Cilag Gmbh International | Systems and methods of initiating a power shutdown mode for a surgical instrument |
USD907647S1 (en) | 2017-09-29 | 2021-01-12 | Ethicon Llc | Display screen or portion thereof with animated graphical user interface |
US10796471B2 (en) | 2017-09-29 | 2020-10-06 | Ethicon Llc | Systems and methods of displaying a knife position for a surgical instrument |
US10729501B2 (en) | 2017-09-29 | 2020-08-04 | Ethicon Llc | Systems and methods for language selection of a surgical instrument |
US11090075B2 (en) | 2017-10-30 | 2021-08-17 | Cilag Gmbh International | Articulation features for surgical end effector |
US11134944B2 (en) | 2017-10-30 | 2021-10-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical stapler knife motion controls |
US10842490B2 (en) | 2017-10-31 | 2020-11-24 | Ethicon Llc | Cartridge body design with force reduction based on firing completion |
US10779903B2 (en) | 2017-10-31 | 2020-09-22 | Ethicon Llc | Positive shaft rotation lock activated by jaw closure |
US11071543B2 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2021-07-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical end effectors with clamping assemblies configured to increase jaw aperture ranges |
US10869666B2 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2020-12-22 | Ethicon Llc | Adapters with control systems for controlling multiple motors of an electromechanical surgical instrument |
US11197670B2 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2021-12-14 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical end effectors with pivotal jaws configured to touch at their respective distal ends when fully closed |
US11006955B2 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2021-05-18 | Ethicon Llc | End effectors with positive jaw opening features for use with adapters for electromechanical surgical instruments |
US10743875B2 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2020-08-18 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical end effectors with jaw stiffener arrangements configured to permit monitoring of firing member |
US11033267B2 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2021-06-15 | Ethicon Llc | Systems and methods of controlling a clamping member firing rate of a surgical instrument |
US10743874B2 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2020-08-18 | Ethicon Llc | Sealed adapters for use with electromechanical surgical instruments |
US10687813B2 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2020-06-23 | Ethicon Llc | Adapters with firing stroke sensing arrangements for use in connection with electromechanical surgical instruments |
US10779826B2 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2020-09-22 | Ethicon Llc | Methods of operating surgical end effectors |
US10966718B2 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2021-04-06 | Ethicon Llc | Dynamic clamping assemblies with improved wear characteristics for use in connection with electromechanical surgical instruments |
US10828033B2 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2020-11-10 | Ethicon Llc | Handheld electromechanical surgical instruments with improved motor control arrangements for positioning components of an adapter coupled thereto |
US10779825B2 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2020-09-22 | Ethicon Llc | Adapters with end effector position sensing and control arrangements for use in connection with electromechanical surgical instruments |
US10716565B2 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2020-07-21 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instruments with dual articulation drivers |
US10835330B2 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2020-11-17 | Ethicon Llc | Method for determining the position of a rotatable jaw of a surgical instrument attachment assembly |
USD910847S1 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2021-02-16 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument assembly |
US11020112B2 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2021-06-01 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical tools configured for interchangeable use with different controller interfaces |
US10729509B2 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2020-08-04 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument comprising closure and firing locking mechanism |
US11045270B2 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2021-06-29 | Cilag Gmbh International | Robotic attachment comprising exterior drive actuator |
US11129680B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2021-09-28 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a projector |
US11311290B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2022-04-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising an end effector dampener |
US10682134B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2020-06-16 | Ethicon Llc | Continuous use self-propelled stapling instrument |
US11076853B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2021-08-03 | Cilag Gmbh International | Systems and methods of displaying a knife position during transection for a surgical instrument |
US20190201034A1 (en) | 2017-12-28 | 2019-07-04 | Ethicon Llc | Powered stapling device configured to adjust force, advancement speed, and overall stroke of cutting member based on sensed parameter of firing or clamping |
KR20200126409A (en) | 2018-02-27 | 2020-11-06 | 어플라이드 메디컬 리소시스 코포레이션 | Surgical stapler with electric handle |
BR102019003934A2 (en) | 2018-03-07 | 2019-09-17 | Ethicon Llc | SURGICAL STAPLER WITH REVERSIBLE POLARITY |
WO2019189078A1 (en) * | 2018-03-29 | 2019-10-03 | テルモ株式会社 | Medical device |
USD893720S1 (en) * | 2018-05-16 | 2020-08-18 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler |
USD896962S1 (en) * | 2018-05-16 | 2020-09-22 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler |
USD893721S1 (en) * | 2018-05-16 | 2020-08-18 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler |
USD905242S1 (en) * | 2018-05-16 | 2020-12-15 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler |
USD893718S1 (en) * | 2018-05-16 | 2020-08-18 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler |
USD893719S1 (en) * | 2018-05-16 | 2020-08-18 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler |
US10912559B2 (en) | 2018-08-20 | 2021-02-09 | Ethicon Llc | Reinforced deformable anvil tip for surgical stapler anvil |
US11039834B2 (en) | 2018-08-20 | 2021-06-22 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical stapler anvils with staple directing protrusions and tissue stability features |
US11291440B2 (en) | 2018-08-20 | 2022-04-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method for operating a powered articulatable surgical instrument |
US11083458B2 (en) | 2018-08-20 | 2021-08-10 | Cilag Gmbh International | Powered surgical instruments with clutching arrangements to convert linear drive motions to rotary drive motions |
US11045192B2 (en) | 2018-08-20 | 2021-06-29 | Cilag Gmbh International | Fabricating techniques for surgical stapler anvils |
US10842492B2 (en) | 2018-08-20 | 2020-11-24 | Ethicon Llc | Powered articulatable surgical instruments with clutching and locking arrangements for linking an articulation drive system to a firing drive system |
US11324501B2 (en) | 2018-08-20 | 2022-05-10 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical stapling devices with improved closure members |
US11207065B2 (en) | 2018-08-20 | 2021-12-28 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method for fabricating surgical stapler anvils |
US10779821B2 (en) | 2018-08-20 | 2020-09-22 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical stapler anvils with tissue stop features configured to avoid tissue pinch |
US11253256B2 (en) | 2018-08-20 | 2022-02-22 | Cilag Gmbh International | Articulatable motor powered surgical instruments with dedicated articulation motor arrangements |
USD914878S1 (en) | 2018-08-20 | 2021-03-30 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical instrument anvil |
US10856870B2 (en) | 2018-08-20 | 2020-12-08 | Ethicon Llc | Switching arrangements for motor powered articulatable surgical instruments |
US11564691B2 (en) | 2018-08-24 | 2023-01-31 | Covidien Lp | Powered circular stapling device |
US11134952B2 (en) | 2018-10-15 | 2021-10-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Dual lever to reduce force to fire in circular surgical stapler |
US11207071B2 (en) | 2018-10-15 | 2021-12-28 | Cilag Gmbh International | Dual stage closure system for circular surgical stapler |
US11051819B2 (en) | 2018-10-15 | 2021-07-06 | Cilag Gmbh International | Latch to prevent back-driving of circular surgical stapler |
US11701109B2 (en) | 2018-12-28 | 2023-07-18 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical stapler with sloped staple deck for varying tissue compression |
EP3930588A1 (en) | 2019-02-27 | 2022-01-05 | Applied Medical Resources Corporation | Surgical stapling instrument having a two-position lockout mechanism |
US11224432B2 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2022-01-18 | Cilag Gmbh International | Timer circuit to control firing of powered surgical stapler |
US11147559B2 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2021-10-19 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple height indicator for powered surgical stapler |
US20200281593A1 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2020-09-10 | Ethicon Llc | Power control circuit for powered surgical stapler |
US11123075B2 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2021-09-21 | Cilag Gmbh International | Circular surgical stapler |
US11116508B2 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2021-09-14 | Cilag Gmbh International | Electrical potential shifting circuit for powered surgical stapler |
US11147553B2 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2021-10-19 | Cilag Gmbh International | Firing drive arrangements for surgical systems |
US11696761B2 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2023-07-11 | Cilag Gmbh International | Firing drive arrangements for surgical systems |
US11147551B2 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2021-10-19 | Cilag Gmbh International | Firing drive arrangements for surgical systems |
US11172929B2 (en) | 2019-03-25 | 2021-11-16 | Cilag Gmbh International | Articulation drive arrangements for surgical systems |
JP2022527154A (en) | 2019-03-29 | 2022-05-31 | アプライド メディカル リソーシーズ コーポレイション | Reload cover for surgical staple fastening system |
US11648009B2 (en) | 2019-04-30 | 2023-05-16 | Cilag Gmbh International | Rotatable jaw tip for a surgical instrument |
US11253254B2 (en) | 2019-04-30 | 2022-02-22 | Cilag Gmbh International | Shaft rotation actuator on a surgical instrument |
US11452528B2 (en) | 2019-04-30 | 2022-09-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Articulation actuators for a surgical instrument |
US11903581B2 (en) | 2019-04-30 | 2024-02-20 | Cilag Gmbh International | Methods for stapling tissue using a surgical instrument |
US11471157B2 (en) | 2019-04-30 | 2022-10-18 | Cilag Gmbh International | Articulation control mapping for a surgical instrument |
US11432816B2 (en) | 2019-04-30 | 2022-09-06 | Cilag Gmbh International | Articulation pin for a surgical instrument |
US11426251B2 (en) | 2019-04-30 | 2022-08-30 | Cilag Gmbh International | Articulation directional lights on a surgical instrument |
US11523822B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-12-13 | Cilag Gmbh International | Battery pack including a circuit interrupter |
US11298132B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-04-12 | Cilag GmbH Inlernational | Staple cartridge including a honeycomb extension |
US11051807B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2021-07-06 | Cilag Gmbh International | Packaging assembly including a particulate trap |
US11464601B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-10-11 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising an RFID system for tracking a movable component |
US11224497B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-01-18 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical systems with multiple RFID tags |
US11497492B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-11-15 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument including an articulation lock |
US11684434B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2023-06-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical RFID assemblies for instrument operational setting control |
US11478241B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-10-25 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge including projections |
US11627959B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2023-04-18 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instruments including manual and powered system lockouts |
US11291451B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-04-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument with battery compatibility verification functionality |
US11246678B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-02-15 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical stapling system having a frangible RFID tag |
US11376098B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-07-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument system comprising an RFID system |
US11553971B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2023-01-17 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical RFID assemblies for display and communication |
US11219455B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-01-11 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument including a lockout key |
US11259803B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-03-01 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical stapling system having an information encryption protocol |
US11229437B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-01-25 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method for authenticating the compatibility of a staple cartridge with a surgical instrument |
US11660163B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2023-05-30 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical system with RFID tags for updating motor assembly parameters |
US11298127B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-04-12 | Cilag GmbH Interational | Surgical stapling system having a lockout mechanism for an incompatible cartridge |
US11426167B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-08-30 | Cilag Gmbh International | Mechanisms for proper anvil attachment surgical stapling head assembly |
US11638587B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2023-05-02 | Cilag Gmbh International | RFID identification systems for surgical instruments |
US11771419B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2023-10-03 | Cilag Gmbh International | Packaging for a replaceable component of a surgical stapling system |
US11399837B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2022-08-02 | Cilag Gmbh International | Mechanisms for motor control adjustments of a motorized surgical instrument |
US11498198B2 (en) * | 2019-08-20 | 2022-11-15 | The Boeing Company | Ergonomic handle for a power tool |
US11185331B2 (en) | 2019-09-18 | 2021-11-30 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method for controlling end effector closure for powered surgical stapler |
US11185324B2 (en) | 2019-09-18 | 2021-11-30 | Cilag Gmbh International | Anvil retention and release features for powered circular surgical stapler |
US11464516B2 (en) | 2019-09-18 | 2022-10-11 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method for calibrating movements of actuated members of powered surgical stapler |
US11123074B2 (en) | 2019-09-18 | 2021-09-21 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method for controlling cutting member actuation for powered surgical stapler |
US11607219B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2023-03-21 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising a detachable tissue cutting knife |
US11701111B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2023-07-18 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method for operating a surgical stapling instrument |
US11464512B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2022-10-11 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising a curved deck surface |
US11234698B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2022-02-01 | Cilag Gmbh International | Stapling system comprising a clamp lockout and a firing lockout |
US11911032B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2024-02-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising a seating cam |
US11304696B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2022-04-19 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a powered articulation system |
US11504122B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2022-11-22 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a nested firing member |
US11576672B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2023-02-14 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a closure system including a closure member and an opening member driven by a drive screw |
US11931033B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2024-03-19 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising a latch lockout |
US11291447B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2022-04-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Stapling instrument comprising independent jaw closing and staple firing systems |
US11446029B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2022-09-20 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising projections extending from a curved deck surface |
US11559304B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2023-01-24 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a rapid closure mechanism |
US11529139B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2022-12-20 | Cilag Gmbh International | Motor driven surgical instrument |
US11844520B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2023-12-19 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising driver retention members |
US11529137B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2022-12-20 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising driver retention members |
USD974560S1 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2023-01-03 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge |
USD976401S1 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2023-01-24 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge |
USD966512S1 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2022-10-11 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge |
USD975851S1 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2023-01-17 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge |
USD967421S1 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2022-10-18 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge |
USD975850S1 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2023-01-17 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge |
USD975278S1 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2023-01-10 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge |
US11737758B2 (en) | 2020-07-10 | 2023-08-29 | Cilag Gmbh International | Compression and firing force sensor for circular surgical stapler |
US11490891B2 (en) | 2020-07-10 | 2022-11-08 | Cilag Gmbh International | Load sensor for circular surgical stapler |
US11864756B2 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2024-01-09 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instruments with flexible ball chain drive arrangements |
US11534259B2 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2022-12-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising an articulation indicator |
USD980425S1 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2023-03-07 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument assembly |
US11617577B2 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2023-04-04 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a sensor configured to sense whether an articulation drive of the surgical instrument is actuatable |
US11896217B2 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2024-02-13 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising an articulation lock |
USD1013170S1 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2024-01-30 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument assembly |
US11779330B2 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2023-10-10 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a jaw alignment system |
CA3195757A1 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2022-05-05 | Jonathan VON STEIN | Actuation shaft retention mechanism for surgical stapler |
US11844518B2 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2023-12-19 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method for operating a surgical instrument |
US11517390B2 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2022-12-06 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a limited travel switch |
US11717289B2 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2023-08-08 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising an indicator which indicates that an articulation drive is actuatable |
US11452526B2 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2022-09-27 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a staged voltage regulation start-up system |
US11931025B2 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2024-03-19 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a releasable closure drive lock |
EP4236821A1 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2023-09-06 | Applied Medical Resources Corporation | Surgical stapler having a powered handle |
US11744581B2 (en) | 2020-12-02 | 2023-09-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Powered surgical instruments with multi-phase tissue treatment |
US11737751B2 (en) | 2020-12-02 | 2023-08-29 | Cilag Gmbh International | Devices and methods of managing energy dissipated within sterile barriers of surgical instrument housings |
US11944296B2 (en) | 2020-12-02 | 2024-04-02 | Cilag Gmbh International | Powered surgical instruments with external connectors |
US11653920B2 (en) | 2020-12-02 | 2023-05-23 | Cilag Gmbh International | Powered surgical instruments with communication interfaces through sterile barrier |
US11890010B2 (en) | 2020-12-02 | 2024-02-06 | Cllag GmbH International | Dual-sided reinforced reload for surgical instruments |
US11627960B2 (en) | 2020-12-02 | 2023-04-18 | Cilag Gmbh International | Powered surgical instruments with smart reload with separately attachable exteriorly mounted wiring connections |
US11678882B2 (en) | 2020-12-02 | 2023-06-20 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instruments with interactive features to remedy incidental sled movements |
US11849943B2 (en) | 2020-12-02 | 2023-12-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument with cartridge release mechanisms |
US11653915B2 (en) | 2020-12-02 | 2023-05-23 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instruments with sled location detection and adjustment features |
US11877750B2 (en) * | 2021-01-21 | 2024-01-23 | Covidien Lp | Surgical stapler with powered and manual functions |
US11701113B2 (en) | 2021-02-26 | 2023-07-18 | Cilag Gmbh International | Stapling instrument comprising a separate power antenna and a data transfer antenna |
US11749877B2 (en) | 2021-02-26 | 2023-09-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Stapling instrument comprising a signal antenna |
US11950777B2 (en) | 2021-02-26 | 2024-04-09 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising an information access control system |
US11730473B2 (en) | 2021-02-26 | 2023-08-22 | Cilag Gmbh International | Monitoring of manufacturing life-cycle |
US11793514B2 (en) | 2021-02-26 | 2023-10-24 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising sensor array which may be embedded in cartridge body |
US11696757B2 (en) | 2021-02-26 | 2023-07-11 | Cilag Gmbh International | Monitoring of internal systems to detect and track cartridge motion status |
US11950779B2 (en) | 2021-02-26 | 2024-04-09 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method of powering and communicating with a staple cartridge |
US11751869B2 (en) | 2021-02-26 | 2023-09-12 | Cilag Gmbh International | Monitoring of multiple sensors over time to detect moving characteristics of tissue |
US11723657B2 (en) | 2021-02-26 | 2023-08-15 | Cilag Gmbh International | Adjustable communication based on available bandwidth and power capacity |
US11925349B2 (en) | 2021-02-26 | 2024-03-12 | Cilag Gmbh International | Adjustment to transfer parameters to improve available power |
US11744583B2 (en) | 2021-02-26 | 2023-09-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Distal communication array to tune frequency of RF systems |
US11812964B2 (en) | 2021-02-26 | 2023-11-14 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising a power management circuit |
US11723658B2 (en) | 2021-03-22 | 2023-08-15 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising a firing lockout |
US11806011B2 (en) | 2021-03-22 | 2023-11-07 | Cilag Gmbh International | Stapling instrument comprising tissue compression systems |
US11759202B2 (en) | 2021-03-22 | 2023-09-19 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising an implantable layer |
US11826012B2 (en) | 2021-03-22 | 2023-11-28 | Cilag Gmbh International | Stapling instrument comprising a pulsed motor-driven firing rack |
US11717291B2 (en) | 2021-03-22 | 2023-08-08 | Cilag Gmbh International | Staple cartridge comprising staples configured to apply different tissue compression |
US11826042B2 (en) | 2021-03-22 | 2023-11-28 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument comprising a firing drive including a selectable leverage mechanism |
US11737749B2 (en) | 2021-03-22 | 2023-08-29 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical stapling instrument comprising a retraction system |
US11744603B2 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2023-09-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Multi-axis pivot joints for surgical instruments and methods for manufacturing same |
US11903582B2 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2024-02-20 | Cilag Gmbh International | Leveraging surfaces for cartridge installation |
US11896218B2 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2024-02-13 | Cilag Gmbh International | Method of using a powered stapling device |
US11793516B2 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2023-10-24 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical staple cartridge comprising longitudinal support beam |
US11896219B2 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2024-02-13 | Cilag Gmbh International | Mating features between drivers and underside of a cartridge deck |
US11849945B2 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2023-12-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Rotary-driven surgical stapling assembly comprising eccentrically driven firing member |
US11857183B2 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2024-01-02 | Cilag Gmbh International | Stapling assembly components having metal substrates and plastic bodies |
US11786243B2 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2023-10-17 | Cilag Gmbh International | Firing members having flexible portions for adapting to a load during a surgical firing stroke |
US11832816B2 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2023-12-05 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical stapling assembly comprising nonplanar staples and planar staples |
US11944336B2 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2024-04-02 | Cilag Gmbh International | Joint arrangements for multi-planar alignment and support of operational drive shafts in articulatable surgical instruments |
US11849944B2 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2023-12-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Drivers for fastener cartridge assemblies having rotary drive screws |
US11786239B2 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2023-10-17 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical instrument articulation joint arrangements comprising multiple moving linkage features |
US20220378424A1 (en) | 2021-05-28 | 2022-12-01 | Cilag Gmbh International | Stapling instrument comprising a firing lockout |
US11684362B2 (en) * | 2021-06-07 | 2023-06-27 | Covidien Lp | Handheld electromechanical surgical system |
US20220395274A1 (en) * | 2021-06-11 | 2022-12-15 | William Fox | Surgical stapler |
US11871926B2 (en) * | 2021-06-11 | 2024-01-16 | Jenei Llc | Surgical stapler |
US20230100698A1 (en) | 2021-09-29 | 2023-03-30 | Cilag Gmbh International | Methods for Controlling Cooperative Surgical Instruments |
US20230103005A1 (en) | 2021-09-29 | 2023-03-30 | Cilag Gmbh International | Methods for Controlling Cooperative Surgical Instruments |
US11786250B2 (en) * | 2021-10-07 | 2023-10-17 | Cilag Gmbh International | Collar for securing circular surgical stapler end effector to shaft |
US11957337B2 (en) | 2021-10-18 | 2024-04-16 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical stapling assembly with offset ramped drive surfaces |
US11877745B2 (en) | 2021-10-18 | 2024-01-23 | Cilag Gmbh International | Surgical stapling assembly having longitudinally-repeating staple leg clusters |
US11937816B2 (en) | 2021-10-28 | 2024-03-26 | Cilag Gmbh International | Electrical lead arrangements for surgical instruments |
Family Cites Families (128)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4606343A (en) | 1980-08-18 | 1986-08-19 | United States Surgical Corporation | Self-powered surgical fastening instrument |
SU1225540A2 (en) * | 1984-07-20 | 1986-04-23 | Владивостокский государственный медицинский институт | Suture appliance apparatus for placing anastomoses on tubular organs |
US4569469A (en) * | 1985-02-15 | 1986-02-11 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Bone stapler cartridge |
US4903697A (en) | 1986-03-27 | 1990-02-27 | Semion Resnick | Cartridge assembly for a surgical stapling instrument |
US4893622A (en) * | 1986-10-17 | 1990-01-16 | United States Surgical Corporation | Method of stapling tubular body organs |
US4805823A (en) | 1988-03-18 | 1989-02-21 | Ethicon, Inc. | Pocket configuration for internal organ staplers |
US4930674A (en) * | 1989-02-24 | 1990-06-05 | Abiomed, Inc. | Surgical stapler |
US5333773A (en) | 1991-08-23 | 1994-08-02 | Ethicon, Inc. | Sealing means for endoscopic surgical anastomosis stapling instrument |
US5350104A (en) | 1991-08-23 | 1994-09-27 | Ethicon, Inc. | Sealing means for endoscopic surgical anastomosis stapling instrument |
GR920100358A (en) | 1991-08-23 | 1993-06-07 | Ethicon Inc | Surgical anastomosis stapling instrument. |
US5711472A (en) * | 1991-10-18 | 1998-01-27 | United States Surgical Corporation | Self contained gas powered surgical apparatus |
US5271543A (en) * | 1992-02-07 | 1993-12-21 | Ethicon, Inc. | Surgical anastomosis stapling instrument with flexible support shaft and anvil adjusting mechanism |
US5417700A (en) * | 1992-03-30 | 1995-05-23 | Thomas D. Egan | Automatic suturing and ligating device |
US5389098A (en) * | 1992-05-19 | 1995-02-14 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Surgical device for stapling and/or fastening body tissues |
US5361473A (en) * | 1992-07-09 | 1994-11-08 | Heavy Duty Marketing Corporation | Rivet setting anvil |
US5415334A (en) | 1993-05-05 | 1995-05-16 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery | Surgical stapler and staple cartridge |
US5597107A (en) | 1994-02-03 | 1997-01-28 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapler instrument |
US5465895A (en) | 1994-02-03 | 1995-11-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapler instrument |
US5632432A (en) | 1994-12-19 | 1997-05-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument |
US5704534A (en) | 1994-12-19 | 1998-01-06 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Articulation assembly for surgical instruments |
US5814055A (en) | 1995-09-19 | 1998-09-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical clamping mechanism |
US6050472A (en) * | 1996-04-26 | 2000-04-18 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Surgical anastomosis stapler |
DE19836950B4 (en) * | 1998-08-17 | 2004-09-02 | Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. | Surgical instrument in the form of a suturing device |
US6159146A (en) * | 1999-03-12 | 2000-12-12 | El Gazayerli; Mohamed Mounir | Method and apparatus for minimally-invasive fundoplication |
US6716233B1 (en) * | 1999-06-02 | 2004-04-06 | Power Medical Interventions, Inc. | Electromechanical driver and remote surgical instrument attachment having computer assisted control capabilities |
US7951071B2 (en) * | 1999-06-02 | 2011-05-31 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Moisture-detecting shaft for use with an electro-mechanical surgical device |
US7032798B2 (en) * | 1999-06-02 | 2006-04-25 | Power Medical Interventions, Inc. | Electro-mechanical surgical device |
US8025199B2 (en) | 2004-02-23 | 2011-09-27 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Surgical cutting and stapling device |
US6443973B1 (en) * | 1999-06-02 | 2002-09-03 | Power Medical Interventions, Inc. | Electromechanical driver device for use with anastomosing, stapling, and resecting instruments |
RU2161450C1 (en) * | 1999-07-22 | 2001-01-10 | Каншин Николай Николаевич | Surgical suturing device |
US8286845B2 (en) * | 2000-11-27 | 2012-10-16 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Full thickness resection device control handle |
US7101371B2 (en) * | 2001-04-06 | 2006-09-05 | Dycus Sean T | Vessel sealer and divider |
US6783524B2 (en) | 2001-04-19 | 2004-08-31 | Intuitive Surgical, Inc. | Robotic surgical tool with ultrasound cauterizing and cutting instrument |
JP4268038B2 (en) * | 2001-06-22 | 2009-05-27 | パワー メディカル インターベンションズ,インコーポレイテッド | Electromechanical surgical device |
US20050154411A1 (en) * | 2001-08-23 | 2005-07-14 | Breznock Eugene M. | Method and apparatus for trephinating body vessels and hollow organ walls |
US6863677B2 (en) * | 2001-08-23 | 2005-03-08 | Eugene Michael Breznock | Method and apparatus for trephinating body vessels and hollow organ walls |
DE10147145C2 (en) * | 2001-09-25 | 2003-12-18 | Kunz Reiner | Multi-function instrument for micro-invasive surgery |
US10285694B2 (en) * | 2001-10-20 | 2019-05-14 | Covidien Lp | Surgical stapler with timer and feedback display |
DE10158246C1 (en) * | 2001-11-28 | 2003-08-21 | Ethicon Endo Surgery Europe | Surgical stapling instrument |
ES2324407T3 (en) * | 2002-10-04 | 2009-08-06 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE. |
US8585714B2 (en) | 2003-03-18 | 2013-11-19 | Depuy Mitek, Llc | Expandable needle suture apparatus and associated handle assembly with rotational suture manipulation system |
US7143923B2 (en) | 2003-05-20 | 2006-12-05 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling instrument having a firing lockout for an unclosed anvil |
US7380696B2 (en) | 2003-05-20 | 2008-06-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Articulating surgical stapling instrument incorporating a two-piece E-beam firing mechanism |
US6978921B2 (en) | 2003-05-20 | 2005-12-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling instrument incorporating an E-beam firing mechanism |
US7380695B2 (en) | 2003-05-20 | 2008-06-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling instrument having a single lockout mechanism for prevention of firing |
US7111769B2 (en) | 2003-07-09 | 2006-09-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument incorporating an articulation mechanism having rotation about the longitudinal axis |
US7434715B2 (en) | 2003-09-29 | 2008-10-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling instrument having multistroke firing with opening lockout |
US7303108B2 (en) | 2003-09-29 | 2007-12-04 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling instrument incorporating a multi-stroke firing mechanism with a flexible rack |
US8968276B2 (en) * | 2007-09-21 | 2015-03-03 | Covidien Lp | Hand held surgical handle assembly, surgical adapters for use between surgical handle assembly and surgical end effectors, and methods of use |
US10105140B2 (en) | 2009-11-20 | 2018-10-23 | Covidien Lp | Surgical console and hand-held surgical device |
US7549563B2 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2009-06-23 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Rotating curved cutter stapler |
US7766207B2 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2010-08-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Articulating curved cutter stapler |
AU2005226643B2 (en) | 2004-03-19 | 2010-07-22 | Covidien Lp | Anvil assembly with improved cut ring |
US20050267555A1 (en) * | 2004-05-28 | 2005-12-01 | Marnfeldt Goran N | Engagement tool for implantable medical devices |
US7367485B2 (en) | 2004-06-30 | 2008-05-06 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling instrument incorporating a multistroke firing mechanism having a rotary transmission |
CA2612972A1 (en) * | 2005-06-25 | 2007-01-04 | Stryker Corporation | Surgical handpiece with compact clutch and anti-wobble coupling head |
US8028885B2 (en) * | 2006-05-19 | 2011-10-04 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Electric surgical instrument with optimized power supply and drive |
US8579176B2 (en) | 2005-07-26 | 2013-11-12 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling and cutting device and method for using the device |
US7959050B2 (en) | 2005-07-26 | 2011-06-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc | Electrically self-powered surgical instrument with manual release |
US8627995B2 (en) | 2006-05-19 | 2014-01-14 | Ethicon Endo-Sugery, Inc. | Electrically self-powered surgical instrument with cryptographic identification of interchangeable part |
US7669746B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2010-03-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Staple cartridges for forming staples having differing formed staple heights |
US20070135803A1 (en) * | 2005-09-14 | 2007-06-14 | Amir Belson | Methods and apparatus for performing transluminal and other procedures |
US7845537B2 (en) * | 2006-01-31 | 2010-12-07 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument having recording capabilities |
US20120292367A1 (en) * | 2006-01-31 | 2012-11-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Robotically-controlled end effector |
US7575144B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2009-08-18 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical fastener and cutter with single cable actuator |
US8062236B2 (en) * | 2006-02-02 | 2011-11-22 | Tyco Healthcare Group, Lp | Method and system to determine an optimal tissue compression time to implant a surgical element |
ATE450208T1 (en) * | 2006-07-07 | 2009-12-15 | Ethicon Endo Surgery Inc | SURGICAL CLAP SETTING DEVICE |
US7740159B2 (en) * | 2006-08-02 | 2010-06-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Pneumatically powered surgical cutting and fastening instrument with a variable control of the actuating rate of firing with mechanical power assist |
US7665647B2 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2010-02-23 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical cutting and stapling device with closure apparatus for limiting maximum tissue compression force |
US8460275B2 (en) * | 2006-10-05 | 2013-06-11 | Covidien Lp | Flexible endoscopic stitching devices |
US8733614B2 (en) * | 2006-10-06 | 2014-05-27 | Covidien Lp | End effector identification by mechanical features |
US7862502B2 (en) * | 2006-10-20 | 2011-01-04 | Ellipse Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for adjusting a gastrointestinal restriction device |
US7721930B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2010-05-25 | Thicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Disposable cartridge with adhesive for use with a stapling device |
US8540128B2 (en) * | 2007-01-11 | 2013-09-24 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling device with a curved end effector |
US7431188B1 (en) * | 2007-03-15 | 2008-10-07 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Surgical stapling apparatus with powered articulation |
US7735703B2 (en) * | 2007-03-15 | 2010-06-15 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Re-loadable surgical stapling instrument |
US20080255413A1 (en) * | 2007-04-13 | 2008-10-16 | Michael Zemlok | Powered surgical instrument |
US7708182B2 (en) | 2007-04-17 | 2010-05-04 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Flexible endoluminal surgical instrument |
US7823760B2 (en) * | 2007-05-01 | 2010-11-02 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Powered surgical stapling device platform |
US20080308603A1 (en) * | 2007-06-18 | 2008-12-18 | Shelton Frederick E | Cable driven surgical stapling and cutting instrument with improved cable attachment arrangements |
US8808319B2 (en) * | 2007-07-27 | 2014-08-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instruments |
EP2233081B2 (en) * | 2007-09-21 | 2018-03-28 | Covidien LP | Surgical device |
US20110022032A1 (en) * | 2007-10-05 | 2011-01-27 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Battery ejection design for a surgical device |
CA2640345C (en) * | 2007-10-05 | 2017-11-07 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Surgical stapler having an articulation mechanism |
US7922063B2 (en) * | 2007-10-31 | 2011-04-12 | Tyco Healthcare Group, Lp | Powered surgical instrument |
US8752749B2 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2014-06-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Robotically-controlled disposable motor-driven loading unit |
US8573465B2 (en) * | 2008-02-14 | 2013-11-05 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Robotically-controlled surgical end effector system with rotary actuated closure systems |
KR101565441B1 (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2015-11-03 | 각코우호우진 지치 이카다이가쿠 | Surgical system for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(notes) |
US8074858B2 (en) * | 2008-07-17 | 2011-12-13 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Surgical retraction mechanism |
US8608045B2 (en) * | 2008-10-10 | 2013-12-17 | Ethicon Endo-Sugery, Inc. | Powered surgical cutting and stapling apparatus with manually retractable firing system |
US7918377B2 (en) * | 2008-10-16 | 2011-04-05 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling instrument with apparatus for providing anvil position feedback |
US8037591B2 (en) * | 2009-02-02 | 2011-10-18 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical scissors |
US8066167B2 (en) * | 2009-03-23 | 2011-11-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Circular surgical stapling instrument with anvil locking system |
US8955732B2 (en) * | 2009-08-11 | 2015-02-17 | Covidien Lp | Surgical stapling apparatus |
WO2011038299A2 (en) * | 2009-09-25 | 2011-03-31 | United States Of America As Represented By The Department Of Veterans Affairs | Muscle biopsy clamp |
US8322590B2 (en) * | 2009-10-28 | 2012-12-04 | Covidien Lp | Surgical stapling instrument |
US8353438B2 (en) * | 2009-11-19 | 2013-01-15 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Circular stapler introducer with rigid cap assembly configured for easy removal |
US20110208174A1 (en) * | 2010-02-23 | 2011-08-25 | Cpsi Biotech | Cryoclamp and method of use |
US8360296B2 (en) * | 2010-09-09 | 2013-01-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling head assembly with firing lockout for a surgical stapler |
US20120078244A1 (en) * | 2010-09-24 | 2012-03-29 | Worrell Barry C | Control features for articulating surgical device |
US8292150B2 (en) * | 2010-11-02 | 2012-10-23 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Adapter for powered surgical devices |
US20120211542A1 (en) | 2011-02-23 | 2012-08-23 | Tyco Healthcare Group I.P | Controlled tissue compression systems and methods |
US9033204B2 (en) * | 2011-03-14 | 2015-05-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Circular stapling devices with tissue-puncturing anvil features |
CN202044308U (en) * | 2011-04-29 | 2011-11-23 | 常州市康迪医用吻合器有限公司 | Surgical electric anastomat |
US20130090642A1 (en) * | 2011-07-06 | 2013-04-11 | Arqos Surgical, Inc. | Laparscopic tissue morcellator systems and methods |
US8708889B2 (en) * | 2011-10-24 | 2014-04-29 | Trocare, LLC | Jawed trocar assembly |
US8672206B2 (en) * | 2011-10-25 | 2014-03-18 | Covidien Lp | Apparatus for endoscopic procedures |
US9072536B2 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2015-07-07 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Differential locking arrangements for rotary powered surgical instruments |
US9402604B2 (en) * | 2012-07-20 | 2016-08-02 | Covidien Lp | Apparatus for endoscopic procedures |
CN102940513B (en) * | 2012-11-26 | 2017-05-31 | 天津瑞贝精密机械技术研发有限公司 | Motor-driven ring-cutting anastomat |
US9498222B2 (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2016-11-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Pivoting anvil for surgical circular stapler |
US9289207B2 (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2016-03-22 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Surgical staple with integral pledget for tip deflection |
US9572573B2 (en) | 2012-12-04 | 2017-02-21 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Trans-oral circular anvil introduction system with dilation feature |
US9724100B2 (en) | 2012-12-04 | 2017-08-08 | Ethicon Llc | Circular anvil introduction system with alignment feature |
US20140158747A1 (en) | 2012-12-06 | 2014-06-12 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapler with varying staple widths along different circumferences |
US9532783B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2017-01-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Circular stapler with selectable motorized and manual control, including a control ring |
US9463022B2 (en) * | 2012-12-17 | 2016-10-11 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Motor driven rotary input circular stapler with lockable flexible shaft |
US9597081B2 (en) | 2012-12-17 | 2017-03-21 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Llc | Motor driven rotary input circular stapler with modular end effector |
US9420967B2 (en) * | 2013-03-19 | 2016-08-23 | Surgisense Corporation | Apparatus, systems and methods for determining tissue oxygenation |
US9955966B2 (en) * | 2013-09-17 | 2018-05-01 | Covidien Lp | Adapter direct drive with manual retraction, lockout, and connection mechanisms for improper use prevention |
US10335147B2 (en) * | 2014-06-25 | 2019-07-02 | Ethicon Llc | Method of using lockout features for surgical stapler cartridge |
US10111679B2 (en) * | 2014-09-05 | 2018-10-30 | Ethicon Llc | Circuitry and sensors for powered medical device |
US10603128B2 (en) | 2014-10-07 | 2020-03-31 | Covidien Lp | Handheld electromechanical surgical system |
US10117656B2 (en) | 2015-01-07 | 2018-11-06 | Covidien Lp | Loading unit locking collar |
US10485616B2 (en) * | 2015-09-25 | 2019-11-26 | Ethicon Llc | Hybrid robotic surgery with power assisted motion |
US10675021B2 (en) * | 2016-04-01 | 2020-06-09 | Ethicon Llc | Circular stapling system comprising rotary firing system |
US10959800B2 (en) * | 2016-11-08 | 2021-03-30 | Covidien Lp | Force sensors for surgical devices to prevent ingress of fluids |
US10448950B2 (en) * | 2016-12-21 | 2019-10-22 | Ethicon Llc | Surgical staplers with independently actuatable closing and firing systems |
-
2012
- 2012-12-17 US US13/716,313 patent/US9532783B2/en active Active
- 2012-12-17 US US13/716,308 patent/US9445816B2/en active Active
-
2013
- 2013-12-16 CN CN201380066186.4A patent/CN104918564B/en active Active
- 2013-12-16 WO PCT/US2013/075240 patent/WO2014099701A2/en active Application Filing
- 2013-12-16 RU RU2015129083A patent/RU2653993C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2013-12-16 MX MX2015007739A patent/MX360428B/en active IP Right Grant
- 2013-12-16 MX MX2015007737A patent/MX362625B/en active IP Right Grant
- 2013-12-16 EP EP21168139.0A patent/EP3922194B1/en active Active
- 2013-12-16 WO PCT/US2013/075242 patent/WO2014099703A2/en active Application Filing
- 2013-12-16 EP EP13821022.4A patent/EP2941202B1/en active Active
- 2013-12-16 CN CN201380066025.5A patent/CN104869915B/en active Active
- 2013-12-16 JP JP2015548029A patent/JP6290246B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2013-12-16 IN IN4213DEN2015 patent/IN2015DN04213A/en unknown
- 2013-12-16 JP JP2015548030A patent/JP6396317B2/en active Active
- 2013-12-16 EP EP13821021.6A patent/EP2941201B8/en active Active
- 2013-12-16 RU RU2015129029A patent/RU2676523C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2013-12-16 IN IN4204DEN2015 patent/IN2015DN04204A/en unknown
-
2016
- 2016-09-19 US US15/268,684 patent/US20170000487A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-09-19 US US15/268,694 patent/US10542990B2/en active Active
- 2016-09-19 US US15/268,709 patent/US10548603B2/en active Active
- 2016-09-19 US US15/268,705 patent/US10537330B2/en active Active
- 2016-09-19 US US15/268,724 patent/US10492788B2/en active Active
- 2016-09-19 US US15/268,740 patent/US10492789B2/en active Active
-
2018
- 2018-10-10 US US16/156,077 patent/US10835254B2/en active Active
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2020237631A1 (en) * | 2019-05-31 | 2020-12-03 | Covidien Lp | Circular stapling device |
US11896233B2 (en) | 2019-05-31 | 2024-02-13 | Covidien Lp | Circular stapling device |
US20210275179A1 (en) * | 2020-03-06 | 2021-09-09 | Covidien Lp | Surgical stapling instrument with telescopic trocar assembly |
US11534173B2 (en) * | 2020-03-06 | 2022-12-27 | Covidien Lp | Surgical stapling instrument with telescopic trocar assembly |
Also Published As
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10835254B2 (en) | Powered surgical circular stapler | |
US11013513B2 (en) | Motor driven rotary input circular stapler with modular end effector | |
US11497491B2 (en) | Surgical stapler with rotary cam drive | |
US10888317B2 (en) | Control features for motorized surgical stapling instrument |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT RECEIVED |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL, SWITZERLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ETHICON LLC;REEL/FRAME:056601/0339 Effective date: 20210405 |